Sunday, June 16, 2013
My memories of my aunt Mary fall into two distinct phases in my life – memories as a kid growing up and memories as an adult profoundly impacted by the former. As a kid growing up, I have many fond memories and thoughts from all of the times playing with my cousins in Lansingburg, in Latham and of course, Saratoga pool. As a kid, even though my primary focus was on enjoying all of the things kids think are important and fun, I did notice, and deeply appreciate, all of the things my aunt did for me and the rest of us kids. I remember the loving smile, the kind words, the stern voice when we definitely deserved more, a genuine interest in our ambitions as we got older and a devotition to her family that I never truly understood until I grew up. As I got older, I remember her always getting the front row for each of the many graduations. This was her quiet and humble way of showing how proud she was of her kids. Yet I now realize that each graduation was actually an honor to her for all of her support and her sacrifice.
Time has only enriched these memories now that I am an adult. I now see the tremenduous sacrifice that my aunt Mary made for each of her kids as well as for her neice and nephews. I have difficulty grasping how much energy she had in order to do everything she did for all of us and still have the character to do those things that I so fondly remember as a kid. The perseverence, patience, wisdom, caring and thoughtfulness are only a few of the many traits that she has taught me through her life that I hope and strive for in my life. I am deeply thankful for this.
Thank you aunt Mary. I will certainly miss you. But you have left your legacy in all of us.
