Dear Favorite Aunt,
When I first heard Kanye West's "Love Lockdown" last month, I picked up the phone to call you, because I knew you'd love it.
After I finished reading Eclipse I couldn't stop thinking, "Call Aunt Doris and tell her she has to go get all three books..."
This past summer Libbey told me, "I love shoes and jewelry...do you think I got that from Aunt Doris?" Well of course she did...she's your Mini-Me. Jewelry, shoes, make-up...and an appreciation for nightgowns. Style is inherited, indeed.
Scott tells the "Sha-theed" joke every other month or so, always giving you the credit for that bit of hilarity. He maintains it will forever go down as your finest moment.
On the other hand, I'm certain your finest moment was the time you asked for a dime...because the vending machine read "Correct Change," and you had "only two nickles."
Or maybe it was the time I phoned to tell you that I'd broken up with Matthew McConaughey, in favor of Jason Statham. You didn't ask why, nor question my motives. Instead you replied, "Well, I heard he doesn't wear deodorant--he ain't gonna get any sugar--or much else--if he stinks." You then promised to rewatch The Italian Job in support of my new man, while reminding me no one would ever take Richard Gere's place in your heart, and that Looking For Mr. Goodbar was his finest moment.
Last month Caroline asked, "Where is Aunt Doris?" The tears welled as I reminded her, "In heaven."
Because you certainly are...in Heaven...where you belong. And although today marks two years since I've had you with me on this earth, it still feels as if a mere two days have passed.
I miss you. We all miss you. We all love you. You'll always be my favorite aunt...
xoxo,
Leigh
When I first heard Kanye West's "Love Lockdown" last month, I picked up the phone to call you, because I knew you'd love it.
After I finished reading Eclipse I couldn't stop thinking, "Call Aunt Doris and tell her she has to go get all three books..."
This past summer Libbey told me, "I love shoes and jewelry...do you think I got that from Aunt Doris?" Well of course she did...she's your Mini-Me. Jewelry, shoes, make-up...and an appreciation for nightgowns. Style is inherited, indeed.
Scott tells the "Sha-theed" joke every other month or so, always giving you the credit for that bit of hilarity. He maintains it will forever go down as your finest moment.
On the other hand, I'm certain your finest moment was the time you asked for a dime...because the vending machine read "Correct Change," and you had "only two nickles."
Or maybe it was the time I phoned to tell you that I'd broken up with Matthew McConaughey, in favor of Jason Statham. You didn't ask why, nor question my motives. Instead you replied, "Well, I heard he doesn't wear deodorant--he ain't gonna get any sugar--or much else--if he stinks." You then promised to rewatch The Italian Job in support of my new man, while reminding me no one would ever take Richard Gere's place in your heart, and that Looking For Mr. Goodbar was his finest moment.
Last month Caroline asked, "Where is Aunt Doris?" The tears welled as I reminded her, "In heaven."
Because you certainly are...in Heaven...where you belong. And although today marks two years since I've had you with me on this earth, it still feels as if a mere two days have passed.
I miss you. We all miss you. We all love you. You'll always be my favorite aunt...
xoxo,
Leigh
Doris Jean Vincent Raley, March 5, 1932--December 16, 2006.
45 comments:
That is a beautiful tribute... thanks for sharing about her... so sweet...
I love it. My dad used to talk about Sha-theed, too. I hope Doris swings by the library up there in heaven to introduce herself...
Beautiful. I just know Kanye's Love Lockdown is being played tonight in heaven. With the voice machine he uses, how could it not? I mean, his 'tude could really use some tuning but his songs...usually genius.
What a precious tribute you've written. You brought tears to my eyes. Today, I will remember with you, friend.
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing aunt.
Oh Lula, that was lovely. How lucky you were to have her. It's wonderful to have those memories. She sounds like she was an amazing person.
Oh Lula, that was so sweet. You made me cry and now my sinus (how do you spell that plural?) hurt. Between you and Kori lately I can't read a blog post without crying everyday.
I am sure she smiles on you and girls every day.
Yep, you made me cry as well.
What a sweet post dedicated to your aunt. What a sad time of year to lose a loved one. I hate that your little girls won't have the same relationship with her that you clearly did, but it seems as if they have their very own version.
Amazing how our loved ones live on in our hearts, even after they've been gone for years.
Won't it be a joyous day when y'all can hang out together in Heaven, swapping stories and laughing 'til you cry?
I love that picture of Aunt Doris!
So sweet, Lula. So sorry, Lula. Love you.
I TOTALLY didn't see that one coming. Now I'm all teary. Any family member of yours HAS to be wonderful. That's awesome that your girls want to be like her...and like you.
You rock my world, woman.
Such a sweet tribute!!
What a precious post...
I'm very jealous... i always wanted an Aunt like that.
This brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful story - I'm sure Aunt Doris is smiling down and laughing with all those great memories!!
Oh Lula, that was a beautiful letter to your Aunt and what seems like a perfect picture for it as she looks swept away with laughter and very happy!!!!!
What is Sha-theed?
What a wonderful tribute.
the picture is great. looks much like the woman you described... RIP
AWWWWWWW! I didn't even know Aunt Doris was in heaven....I'm so sorry...I know you miss her! I'll be thinking about you today.
It doesn't seem like two years. Wow! I would love to have met her! If you loved her that much she had to be a great lady!
Such a sweet tribute...it's obvious how close you were. Now you have a special angel in heaven watching over ya'll.
~On another note, I'm not a Kanye fan, but I love that song. I just pretend not to know who did it.~
I am so sorry for your loss. But she sounds like a wonderful person and what a blessing to have her in your life.
What a lovely post.
And would it hurt you to give a girl a tissue wanring sometimes? I mean really. COme on.
That was lovely. Big hugs. :)
No better way to carry on her memory than through your girls.
That's just awesome, girl.
Oh Lula, so beautiful and sweet. And here I am tearing up. What an a amazing woman! Aunts are such a wonderful thing, they can be confidantes, role models, co-conspirators, companions and so much more. How lucky you are to have had such a good one!
Okay, between this sweet letter to your dear aunt and the video I just watched in tribute to the deceased daughter of my friend, I'm crying my eyes out.
She looks like she is either exhauseted from laughing or relaxed in her own skin, or both. What a wonferful person to have in your life and now watching over you.
I can't type through my tears.
You are so lucky to have her.
What a sweet tribute. And I have to say Lula, you are indeed lucky to come from such a colorful family. I mean that in the nicest way, of course! The stories you tell...! My fam is so vanilla compared to yours! Your Auntie sounds like she was delightful and a kick in the pants to be around! =)
awwww, she is very lucky to live on through you.
and to have someone remember the anniversary of her death each year, very special indeed.
I'm missing some loved ones this Christmas too. What a blessing to have them in our lives, and what a sucky curse to be the ones left behind.
Your Aunt Doris sounds like one classy, funny lady! Thanks for 'introducing' us to her.
Peace to you.
Oh sweet Lula....how fortunate you are to have had such a neat lady in your life. Those who make the biggest impact in our lives sometimes leave the biggest void when they are gone, huh? Cherish the memories!
HUGS!
Tracey
Sweet Sweet Post Lula. You were so blessed to have such a lovely aunt:)
Aunt Doris sounded like a fun woman. I know she must be missed greatly by our family. Hugs, Lula!
She sounds like she was one cool chick.
This tribute gave me chills.....wishing you had your Doris with you this year!
Yes, I miss her so much also. She is on my mind so much and I know she is looking down on us now. She was one special person in my life as she married my brother when I was only 4 years old! Thanks for the tribute to your special Aunt Doris.
Mom
so sad for your loss! :((( but :))) happy that you have such great memories... a relationship like that never fades away.
What a lovely tribute to your aunt. She sounds wonderful.
Oh man, you got me all teary-eyed on that one. My grandma was my Aunt Doris. I miss her too. I wish everyone could be as blessed!
Lula, I really think this is the best tribute post I've read...
She sounds like she was quite a character and I'm so sorry for your loss.
Sweet.
I wonder where one finds an Aunt Doris of their own, cuz I'm needing one.
I'm sorry that she is no longer here on earth with you.
This post was so touching in that it wasn't all maudlin and down.
P.S. I LOVE Kanye's new song.
Sounds like you are alot like her. God Bless Y'all!
what a sweet, sweet way to remember her- thank you for sharing that with us!
Love that picture.
And, tell Scott I LOVE the Sha-theed joke... one of my all time favorites.
*tears welling in eyes*
That you for sharing, she sounds wonderful, thanks for the reminder that our loved ones are rocking out in heaven and not being sad without us, because it is one big party up there!
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