Even though my grandfathers weren't much of a presence in my life, I was very fortunate to have additional grandparents in the form of great-aunts and their spouses. Aunt Shirley and my late Uncle Preston, shown below in their kitchen, lived just blocks away and attended the same church congregation with us. I don't know if that's why we had the closest relationships, but I harbor quite a
tendre for them. Their house is a very special place, with a gargantuan garden with produce ripe from the vine; musical mementos like the cuckoo clock, Uncle Preston's trumpeted tunes, the special clacking spoons, and to the budding musician that I was --- a piano!; a bevy of beautiful birdies; a magical basement with hidden rooms and treasures; and most of all, a sweet sweet spirit imbued by faith and family. Each of my aunties and uncles are lovely in the their own right, but because of who she is, and what she means to me, my Auntie Shirley is the only one allowed to call me by a special nickname*.
Dec. 29, 2011
Dear [Auntie Nettie]*! My pet name for you, and I loved to be the only one allowed to use it. You were as cute as a bug.
You know of our background by observing your Grandmother and will understand when we say we admire your family and take pride in the good person you have become.
Your loving caring way about us is much appreciated. You have gifts of warmth, charity, and find choices of style and dress that you wear.
[Auntie Nettie] … I choose to call you [your nickname] because as a baby and a little girl, I thought you were as cute as a bug.
So Happy 40th year.
Congrats
Love
Auntie Shirley
Come see me when you can
*Because she is the ONLY one who can use it, I'm obviously not going to spill the beans in this post! I'm apparently old enough to know better now that I'm 40.
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