Generations

Today my son Cheney and I went out to lunch with my parents, my sister, and my great Aunt Margie. I had not seen my great aunt in several years and it was so nice to see her. She is my paternal grandmother's youngest sister. There were four sisters altogether (I believe there was at least one more sibling who passed away in childhood or infancy) and I learned so much from watching their relationships. Alberta, Gladys, Hazel and Margorie. Aren't they great names from that generation? I remember when the eldest sister was dying of cancer. My grandmother (Gladys) took in Aunt Alberta and took care of her. The other two sisters came everyday and together they took turns taking care of Alberta. That made a huge impression on me. I wanted that for my 4 children. When one of them is down, they should all rally to that the one who is down. I can't imagine that was an easy decision to have your sister come and stay at your house knowing she would breathe her last breath there. What a sacrifice and what an example to your children and grandchildren. I also remember all four sisters and the two husbands who were still living getting together every week to play cards together. They loved each other's company. Now my Aunt Margie is the only sister left. I saw so much of my grandmother today while I spent time with my aunt. What a blessing. I have been missing out on this by not seeing my aunt. I was also so thankful that my 16 year-old son was willing to go with me and get to know this aunt that he did not even remember. What an excellent way to spend an afternoon.