I've been poked and prodded all week by assorted professionals in the medical community, not by anyone or thing that thrilled me for one moment except for one short visit with Hannah. I hadn't seen Hannah since turkey day and even then, she flew by me while running in some competition with the wicked step-sisters. When she walked into work mid-week, she put her arms around my neck when I told her, "I really missed you!" I could tell in that instant that she really missed me too - one of the greatest gifts I've received.I remember feeling the same way about Aunt Bobby and Aunt Cecil. I loved those ladies. Most especially Aunt Cecil because she was ultra-talented (I thought) and a Pisces. She loved to garden. She was an artist and a piano player. She had lovely waxen skin -- even wrinkled, her skin was a wonder to me. She had tons of chin hairs that I stared at when she talked. (I'm wondering if my skin is a wonder to Hannah? Hannah's probably wondering WTF happened to my skin?)
As Aunt Bobby aged, she became scary looking and I shied away from her though I still loved her. From smoking for 100 years, her voice was gravel-y and harsh. She developed a huge bed sore. You could see into the future through that hole in her leg. She wasn't exceptionally easy to look though I recall she had fantastic sense of humor and I had to look at her when she joked.
I'm sort of a combination of both of them even though Aunt Bobby wasn't blood-related. I have the chin hairs, the wrinkles, the sense of humor. I'm a Pisces. I suppose another thing we all had shared in common were flat, aged, un-thrilled boobs too. (But then again, didn't my "aged boob" dump me?)
Both my great aunts are long dead now. I still think of them often because they were a big part of my life especially during the holidays. I'm hoping once I croak that Hannah remembers me the same way I remember these great ladies, only a really small part of me seriously hopes that Hannah is in need of glasses and because she cannot see very well, she won't remember all my scary chin hairs. Hannah won't write about my hairs or converse with anyone about them - unless upon remembering me, she confuses me with Bella. If Hannah remembers me at all, with any fondness, - I will be thrilled.
9 comments:
Your aunties remind me of my Aunt Thelma. She always wore zip up house dresses, pointy slippers with sparkly things on them and SMOKED! She also lived in Texas and she had real playing cards. She taught me to play Solitaire and my Dad's side of the family was scandalized! I was handling cards!
Was the picture of Hannah and Bella taken close to where you live? If so, it looks like total paradise.
I'm sorry you have had such an "unfeeling" week. Sending good thoughts your way.
Roxie, that's at my workplace, a home office about 5 miles from my home.
That's a great joke. Wish I could think of something like that to say when I'm being examined.
My sister Karen would have been a wonderful auntie for my daughter had she lived. Sara would have loved her wacky sense of humor.
I'm coming to terms with the idea that I may not have a grandchild. So, I've decided to put more energy into my relationships with my nieces and nephews. It's cool to be an auntie.
My mother emailed me saying "I cracked up and laughed until I snorted at Janell's opening statement. She is one character with a fast sense of humor." Don't know why she won't leave you a comment but there you have it - you made my mother bust a gut. Me, too - you are too funny!
Polyester. That's probably why I was feeling so old lady. And yes, Big Sur! We will plan better next time. :)
Of course Hannah will remember you - you'll still be around when she has chin hairs of her own!
You're such a good writer, Janell! I enjoyed reading this piece.
Always interesting to hear the patients perspective :-)
I'm trying to remember how I felt about doctors as a kid versus now. I'm not sure if it was different or not. Some doctors seem more special to me than others. It's a gift.
I'm not surprised you are a Pisces.
Great post. I laughed out loud at the breast exam joke.
You kill me!
Hannah is the luckiest little girl to have you for an auntie.
I don't know why your blog hasn't been updating in my list. You'd think since I'm a fellow Picses I'd get special privliges.
This post made me tear up and it had nothing to do with thinking about getting my boobs squished. Even though my little Gracie lives close by I don't get to see her nearly as often as I'd like. When I do see her she literally runs at me and jumps into my arms. She gives the best hugs. I just told Mr. Helen the other day that I hope she remembers me because she certainly has been a gift in my life.
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