From the time I was a little girl, I have always felt very strongly that I have the very best aunts in the world. They are all mind blowingly strong- incredibly interesting, beautiful, kind, patient, bawdy- infinitely wise, loving, gentle...and all have a wicked sense of humor. I learned what kind of woman I wanted to be from them- what kind of mother and especially what kind of aunt. And if I do say so myself, I rock. But of course, not as much as they do- they invented what I only imitate.
When I was younger I remember my aunts were the ones I went to when I had a problem. They bolstered my courage during some pretty sketchy times- they still do that. They all taught me how to enjoy children- how important it is to retain that sense of play as an adult. Without that, I don't know what I would be. Boring?? I might be slightly different from the norm, but I'm never boring. Ick.
My ability to love, generously and completely, comes from my precious Aunt Cinder. She is my rock. She taught me that I have roots deep and strong enough to hold me fast if I ever needed them. My connection to my father's family,especially Precious Grannie, is entirely through her- she is beautiful on the outside (seriously- the woman is unbelievable) and the inside. She's my father's face that I see I see in my children's faces. She gets me. She is understanding. She is love.
My Aunt Lois is the aunt who made me happy to be a wife and mother- she taught me the value of those roles and gave me practice room in her kitchen. Seriously. The messes I made in her kitchen must be legendary, but I never heard her complain once- ever. She is faith. She is gentle. She is patience.
My Aunt Peg used to play with my sister and I- dolls, school, whatever we pleased. I remember that she never seemed preoccupied when she was with us. She was there, every moment. Present and enjoying everything. She is fun. She is toys and laughter until you spit soda out of your nose.
My Aunt Trish is wild. I like to think that I'm like her in the sense that I'm 100% myself- goofiness and all. And we both encourage and applaud bad behavior. Her hugs come from her soul. She is unconditional support. She is crazy of the best kind. She is always on my side.
I remember once when my oldest nephew, Dax, was around 2, he, my mom and I were sitting on her bed, discussing different relationships in our family. I asked him "Who is this?" as I pointed at my mother. "That is my Nanny Royce! She is my nan!" he said. "Who is this?" my mother asked pointing at me. He looked thoughtful for a moment and said "that is my Aunt T! She is the Mommysister!" My mom and I were both a bit confused, but then it dawned on me- my relationship with him was that perfect blend of authority and laughter, of responsibility and fun. I was like a mommy because I loved him intensely. I was like a sister because I played- like a big kid. (I'm still like that, thank the aunts!) And still, many years later, that is the very best compliment I can imagine.
