Lead By Example
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. 