I'm really not sure what the song really said, or who sang it. Maybe it was the Carpenters? I just know that the jist of the song was that it's yesterday again. I was there this weekend: Aunties' Day, 2006.
For those who haven't been around for a year, click HERE for the entry for Aunties' Day, 2005.
This year, we had MORE us us (not nearly all of us, there are too many!). New people, My cousin's daughter, Valerie, and her two great sons, Nicholas and Anthony. Val, you are doing something right, or is it wrong? They were comfortable and happy in a group of old aunties!
This year, Maria brought her entire family. Her son, Vince, who in my memory was only five years old, was talking about COLLEGE! Can you believe, he drives? He's a sweet heart. Come to think of it, so are her girls. What a family!
Last year, after spending the day with these people, I didn't think my heart could sing any louder. When my father died, I was certain that I lost my connection to this side of my family, but the hugs and love that flows (like a bunch of old flower children!) makes you want to roll over and wag your tail like a happy puppy.
This year, driving away with my mother and Aunt Kate in the car, I realize that I have been blessed with the most incredible women in my life. No wonder my father loved his sisters so much.
I remembered that when I gave his eulogy, I listed the things my father taught me as true. Number one was that no matter where you were going, with a little creativity, all roads went past at least one sister's house, and that was usually the one that had the freshest cookies. My dad was a pretty smart man!
I also remembered that I had to pack a lifetime of Auntie Days with my own sister into one year. We did a whilrlwind tour of memories, emotions and hugs of a lifetime into the last year of her life.
We're fragile. Knowing that any one of us could be gone in a heartbeat, gone like a puff of smoke, is frightening...but oh so empowering. We understand the value of a minute...we carpised our diem...we grabbed the moment by the @$$.
Love you Aunties! Love you cousins! Until next time, God bless!
Now for the photos. I told you that Vincent was a great kid...he provided uswith these:
Aunt Kate...who knows all there is to know about Rachel Ray!
Maria, Linda, Peggy (who never changes!) and Aunt Francie, Linda's mom.
Aunt Helen (the baby of the family and Maria's mom) with Kristen, her grand daughter.
Susan, the force behind Aunties' Day. It just couldn't happen without her. She keeps track of everyone, takes care of most of us, and slaps us silly when we need it. She's both a continuance of her mother (Aunt Aggie) and a newer version of Aunt Helen. As long as we have Sue, we'll be family!
And now...this is Jan...peace out!
A little old fashioned, a little modern - you're the best of both worlds. And so is Amsterdam.