From the archives; written about 4 years ago.
In our family, the acronym TDML refers to Trip Down Memory Lane. I believe Dianne coined this term once as we mercilessly teased our parents for reminiscing fondly of times gone by. Of course they loved returning the favor when catching us doing the same. When recently compiling a slide show for my Dad, I experienced deep feelings of reflection that I can not fully describe. Some of the pictures which I’d never really seen or paid attention seemed to come to life. In particular, seeing my folks and relatives as they were in their youth, struck me in a numinous way. A way in which says loudly that we belong to each other and always have.
My soul is imprinted with the best memories of my Aunt Mary. It was years before I realized that not everyone had an AuntMary (one word). There was absolutely nothing as exciting as going to Aunt Mary’s. Are we there yet? Of course, Aunt Mary meant all of the Smiths as she was the definitive matriarch. She was beautiful in every sense of the word. Not a bigger heart ever. Boy did I ever feel special around her. She even made Bobbi feel special the few times they were together. You’ve made the grade when you get your own pie.
My sister and I both feel that we have had close to ideal childhood experiences in which our Aunt Mary played a major role. These experiences are a part of our very being. I believe that Mary even through her struggles with Dementia and Alzheimer’s could somehow see into the windows of her soul and know that she was blessed.
I have not lived close to my extended family for more than half of my life. I did not experience the harsh reality of seeing Aunt Mary decline in health over the last few years of her life, so it may be easier for me to remember her as she was. She was beautiful. Thank God for my Aunt Mary and her family. We belong to each other and always have.
God Bless
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