Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sweet Memories of my Aunt Gladys There are so many memories that I can look back on that bring smiles and love that I hardly know where to begin. I remember how close my mother and her sisters were and all the love that was shared by our families through the years. One thing that always stands out in my mind is on Sundays when we would all get into Gladys' station wagon and go to Georgia to visit our Grandma and Granddaddy Long. We would play games but the thing I remember most is when mom and Gladys would sing hymns and we would sing along but the song I loved to hear the most was when they sang "In The Garden"...I can remember it as if it were only yesterday. Then, there was the time that they would take us all to the lake to swim in the hot afternoons of summer...we all lived close by so Mom would get the truck and pick up Gladys, Carol and Catherine and then we picked up all the kids on Hixson Pike and here would go...probably looked like Camp Dixie. I guess we all (or most of us) learn to swim there. They took us on hay rides, to the movies and most of the time we all just go together at each other's house. And, as we grew older, they shared our dreams, they shared our happiness and stood by us during the hard times trying to always understand and guide us in the right direction. They taught us how to pray and put our faith in God before sending us out into a world to explore our lives...and even as we go older they were there to listen and support us whenever they could. And then, when the most trying time of my life came to be, when I lost Mom and Hoss, my Aunt Gladys was always there for me. She listen to me cry so many times and just put her arms around me and assured me that things would get better, but most of all she helped me remember the strong foundation of love and strength that had been passed on to all of us. I have truly been blessed and my book of life has been filled with so many golden pages because of my family. It is strange the closeness that we all share but I do understand it because of the foundation of love and understanding along with a strong faith in God that they instilled in us. So, my sweet Aunt go and celebrate your new birthday in Heaven for you will always be so alive in hearts and your sweet memories of love and precious gifts that you left behind for us will be here to guide us. I will miss you so much but I will remember those special words that you shared with me when I sat and cried with you...and the sweet smile that you would send me away with...you always made me feel special. (and I promise I will try to stop using that duct tape for hemming...just don't tell Mom! Love You, Judy
