Autumn ... and aunts ...

Yes, the alliteration caught my eye first ... but the other reason that I'm combining autumn and aunts (whether it's pronounced with the Ahnts or the Ants ... they are still beloved) is that autumn has finally come to stay in Nebraska ... or so I hope. I love the sights of fall ... the leaves on the trees or on the ground (especially now when we do not rake!). I love the smells that are associated with autumn ... a bonfire or just a crisp fall night! And since it's October, I am also into my final quarter at EducationQuest ... had to tie in the retirement theme somehow! 

As to aunts ... I had two favorites. My dad's sister who was closest to him in age ... my aunt Mamie. And my mom's youngest sister ... my aunt Dodie (Dorothy to those less close to her!). My aunt Mamie helped me appreciate education ... whether it comes from a degree ... or more likely ... from reading. My aunt Dodie helped me appreciate ... myself. She was one of the first people (yes, outside of my parents) whom I knew loved me for me.  And wow ... did I love her back!

And, as to nieces ... today I was shopping for a birthday card for one of my nieces and I realized once again, how important they are in my life. Far more important than it must seem to them ... but hopefully, they may realize it someday, too. Two of my nieces have nieces of their own and I hear in their voices and in their Facebook posts how much they love their nieces. Depending on how you count the number of nieces that I have ... well, I have plenty. :) But I have 6 that I count as "close" and my life is better because they are in it. 

My niece Courtney was the only niece who lived close enough to spend time with us during the summer. Her mom is my sister Marie ... and while they live in Houston now, they lived in Kansas City for quite some time. Having Courtney with us forged a bond for Courtney and me, which enables us to pick up like we just saw each other  ... no matter how long it has been. She was part of some great memories ... helping me shop for kitchen "stuff" when we remodeled our Georgian Court house. She was 8 then ... and helpfully carried my turkey roaster into every appliance shop so I could ensure that the ovens were big enough for my turkeys! My favorite memory is when she came bouncing into our bedroom and told Rob (the most private of men): "Uncle Rob ... you look like a rock star in the morning with your hair like that."

My niece Sarah is someone described by her father Mark as "just like you, Chris." Well, if only that were truly true. Sarah is tall, lithe, and lovely ... and just completed an IronMan Marathon. Not quite me. But I suspect that it's more her work ethic that makes him think that (yes, and we are both confident people ... so I can say ... yes, I have a strong work ethic). But in addition to her perseverance, Sarah is very bright ... but yes, she studies diligently, too. All of my life people described me as an "over-achiever" ... and I chafed at that description, thinking ... but maybe I'm not even achieving up to my potential .. how do they know? Sarah is also a very caring and nurturing person ... who has found her place in life as a physician's assistant. 

My niece Julie is perhaps the most like a second daughter to Rob and me. Her mother died when Julie was in her 20's ... and while I can never BE her mom, I can appreciate much of Julie that her mom did. Diane described her as affectionate, loving, and kind. All of those things are true in triplicate for Jules. She lives in Alaska (so far ... but there is hope that she will relocate to Vermont ... not that far from my son). She gave Rob and I the best present ever when she and her husband Scott came to spend Labor Day weekend with us a year ago ... wow. And our time together was magical ... made even better with the first daughter Becky came to see us as well! Julie and her "Uncle Rob" have a terrific relationship ... and she gives as good as she gets, which is the only way to handle Rob. For many years now, we've exchanged penguin-related gifts ... not sure exactly how it started but I think it had something to do with Julie and Diane wanting Rob to watch "Happy Feet." I doubt if we will ever find as perfect a penguin-themed gift as the one we received a Christmas or two ago. It was a handcrafted frame (Julie's) work with a picture of penguins from her husband's Scott's trip to Antarctica. 

My  niece Lucy is the living embodiment of Marilyn Monroe ... down to her perfectly unbleached hair. When Lucy was a 3 year old, I went into say goodbye to her after a trip to see her family. Although I woke her up, her tousled towhead sat right up and held out her arms ... sweetness incarnate. Throughout Lucy's life, I've seen that sweetness shining through ... and I am so happy for her that she is finding contentment in a new relationship in a new town. She deserves to be happy! Lucy is my sister's Suzanne's only daughter ... and reminds me most of my aunt Dodie ... and my sister Suzie!

My niece Rachel is a living doll. She is also a daughter of brother Mark. From her days as a curly-haired toddler ... through this year, when she graduates from college ... her smiles light up a room and her laughter makes you want to find out just what you are missing. I haven't been able to spend as much time with "Rache," as I like ... but when you send off a green (no kidding) purse to her and she LOVES it and carries it with her like it was the best gift ever ... well, that's Rachel. She makes everyone around her feel good. The fact that she likes all things leopard-like does make gift-buying easy! 

Last but not least ... of the nieces that I know well, ... is Susie. She, too, is my sister Diane's daughter. I saved her for last because if Sarah represents the more responsible side of me, Susie represents the side that calls things as they are ... not as she hopes that they will be. Oh, Susie is also responsible ... her three loved and loving children will attest to that. But if I want to know how things are ... how things stand ... I know that I can count on Susie to be unequivocal in her responses. Last year, Rob and I drove to Ashland, Oregon, to spend some time (too short) with Susie and her family. And then Susie and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning ... leaving no family stone unturned. Gosh but I love that girl. 

And so, I count myself fortunate ... two special aunts, several special nieces ... all whom I've loved and who have filled my life with excitement and fun. Perhaps in retirement, I will see a bit more of them. But that would only enhance my love for them ... nothing will ever change it. 

Music ... what else could it be but Sister Sledge? :)