Aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews! What treasures we have in our own families—treasures to tap and treasures to offer.
Last week my niece graduated from Vanderbilt University—one in a class of 1004. (And that was only the Bachelor’s Degree people!) Steve and I made a special effort to be there, and she was very appreciative.
The next day, we visited my Aunt Juanita, who is over half way between 91 and 92. What contrasts! One full of hope, one full of wisdom. And yet both have a bit of the other as well.
Katie has hope—for the future, for her career, for the friends she’ll make in law school. But in her four years of college she’s also acquired some wisdom—that the inner person is more important than what’s on the outside, that dedicated study has its rewards—and no doubt other issues I’m better off not knowing about.
Aunt Juanita has the wisdom of her years, but she also has hope—for the life to come, for reunion with loved ones gone on before, for enjoying this year’s fresh produce, that someone dear will call.
Both enjoy sharing their lives with other generations; both know the value of family relationships.
When I was a child, I visited Aunt Juanita most summers. When Katie was a child, she visited us most summers. All these trips took planning and intentional effort by parents as well as children, by aunts as well as nieces. Other nieces and nephews spent time with us, too.
And we are all rewarded. We know these people and we love them. We love spending time together or catching up by phone. Even when we live miles apart, we are close in heart because of nurturing, not neglecting, those relationships.
Is there a relationship you’ve nurtured with special effort for many years?
Drue Wright
Lanita, just last night we were talking about aunts and uncles. All of ours are gone now. I found myself wishing I had sat down and questioned each of them about things past, things before my time……and I might add WRITTEN it down. So much knowledge and wisdom is gone now only because someone didn’t take the time to question and benefit from the generation before them.
Lanita Boyd
Drue, Steve was way ahead of you and me on this with his last uncle, Uncle Joe. He interviewed him on video for about an hour and then sent copies to Uncle Joe’s three sons. It’s a treasure!
Annelle R. Huggins
I treasure my times with all of my Ralph aunts: Carleen for being the librarian role model that led me to my profession; Onezima for her delicious meals and words of advice; Evelyne for her strength of character and love of gardening; Mina for sharing her love of family history and reading; Deba for her enjoyment of life, music, and neighbors. We are both blessed to have had active love from all of the beautiful Ralph girls. I miss Carleen, Onezima, and Evelyne. Aunt Juanita (known to me as Mother) truly enjoyed your visit last week. It’s hard to believe that she will soon be 92! Even harder to believe that she still has a living aunt, herself!!
Lanita Boyd
You summarized very well our great heritage! We love visiting with your mother and are always sorry we can’t stay longer.