How many people have known you your whole life? Of course your parents, grandparents, older siblings, aunts, uncles, and some cousins. When we are kids, we’re surrounded by these people. They all play a special role in our childhood years.
As we grow up, geography may come into play and miles may come between us. If we are lucky and put a little effort into it, the ties remain strong.
Then, slowly, the roles begin to morph. The child becomes a parent, an auntie, a grandma. What prepares us for these new roles? Really, we don’t take classes on how to be a supportive sister or an awesome aunt. Most of us learn by example.
What I am thinking about today is the gift of being an aunt. I was fortunate enough to be given five amazing women to call Auntie. When I was a kid my aunts were magical; part fairy godmother, part Mary Poppins, always my heroes.
Dad’s older sister, my Aunt Lynn, was so glamorous to me. With her high cheekbones and flawless skin she looked like the movie star Jane Wyman. Always nicely dressed with impeccable hair, makeup and manicure; she was so strong and grounded. I always felt safe when I was with her.
Consistently loving and generous, Aunt Lynn was a pillar of our childhood. When Dad’s families farm was no longer profitable and had to be sold, Aunt Lynn said come to Las Vegas, we’ll help you start over. And she did.
My brothers, sisters and I, two by two, got to spend a week at Aunt Lynn’s house each summer. This was a much anticipated event for so many reasons. At the top of the list was the pool in the backyard. My sister Mary and I would swim all day, just getting out of the water to eat. And the food! Breakfast pastries, layer cakes, pies, ice cream, ham sandwiches and pizza; we were in heaven. At night, exhausted and sunburned, we climbed under the cool sheets of the pullout couch and watched tv past our bedtime.
Looking back on this as an adult, I am really struck by Aunt Lynn’s generosity with her time. I have seven siblings, which means she spent a month of her summers with her nieces and nephews. What a remarkable, conscious gift.
Aunt Lynn quietly led by example. Devoutly catholic, she had strong religious beliefs but she didn’t preach. She had a ready, infectious laugh and she always had time for us.
We all have the power to shape the lives of the children we come in contact with. it doesn’t have to be loud or flashy. There’s much to be said for showing up, being present and being generous with our time and our love.
We lost Aunt Lynn this week, and I move closer to being the older generation. The torch has been passed and I hope to follow Aunt Lynn’s example giving time, laughter and love to the next generation.
Hey there I’m Anne Page. I help heart centered SLPs and educators put the fun in functional communication. 
What a wonderful tribute for a wonderful lady. She is also my Aunt and out of my 3 siblings I was the only one that shared those times at their house. Uncle Gene was my not only my uncle, but also my godfather and I was truly blessed to have this couple in my life. I did not get to visit as much as you and your family but on my first visit to Vegas she brought me to the hatchery in Flagstaff. It was always special when Aunt Lynn was coming to visit back to Illinois and the family gathered. I will miss that infectious laugh you spoke of and know that she is soaring with angels. Thanks for sharing.
That is beautiful and so well written….i think all the nieces and nephews already put you in that same awesome aunt category!
What an amazing tribute to your Aunt Lynn. She was my cousin and we grew up across the road from each other in rural Logan County. When she and Laurie returned to Illinois we usually had time for a few minutes of “catch up” time. She was the same age as my older sister and they kept in contact. I will always remember how pretty my Aunt Irene (Lynn’s mother) was and the lovely hats she had the stature to carry off ~ not so with short little me.
Treasure your memories and do take the time to create more wonderful ones for this generation ~ things like that are slipping away in this age of technology where phone calls and hand written notes are being replaced by quick emails. You have the opportunity to leave heartprints on lives just like your Aunt Lynn did. Please take the time to do it.
My deep sympathy to you in the loss of your sweet Aunt Lynn.
Is there an address where I could send a note and where can I locate her obituary? Blessings! pat snyder
well said Anne! Made me cry!
Grams will be truly missed! She was always there with words of encouragement. You see I was born with cerebral palsy and she would always say to me God made you special and always remember you can do anything you do anything you set your mind to.
She was so right I am blessed to have her in my life. She always seem to know right when I needed to hear from her. My hubby and I have been married 30years .
I remember one time in particular I had called to see how she was doing and she sounded frustrated. .. I asked are you alright grams? She said she lost her diamond out her ring. I said ok Grams we are going to do as you have always tought me I’m going to hang up and pray and you call me as soon as find it. She said alright. It was not even 10 minutes later she called back with such joy in her voice. I love you
Thanks for sharing Ronda.
“Is that right” “For lands sake” are just a few comments that will always remind me of my “auntie Lynn”. She was so special in everything that she did. I have raised 5 sons and they have all heard the child hood stories of spending summers and weekends at Auntie Lynn’s and Uncle Gene’s. She went out of her way to make her nieces and nephews feel special. I can remember her coming to some of my freshman basketball games whenever we were close to Vegas. She was my sponsor when I had completed confirmation in the Catholic Church. She was there when I was married to my beautiful wife of 28 years now. She was always beautiful and elegant. I will always remember the ham sandwiches for lunch, the Kentucky Fried Chicken for supper and hours upon hours of swimming in the pool with the other cousins. We didn’t realize it at the time, but it was a very special time in our lives that will always be remembered. Auntie Lynn was a class act that will forever remain in my memories. Rest In Peace Auntie Lynn, you deserve it.
Well said my brother!