Auntie Owl

She is the most intriguing, energetic, mystic, and just plain entertaining aunt a person can claim as her own. When my sisters and I think about Auntie Al (Aunt Althea) we smile--or we laugh until our sides hurt. She wore wigs in the 70's. We found that fascinating since wigs seemed to go with glamour. She did seem to lead a glamorous life to us girls. She had tiger print beach cover-ups and a hilarious helicopter pilot husband. (We loved Uncle Pete just as much as we loved Auntie Al!)

Throughout many of my younger years I thought her name was Auntie Owl. I think she tried to get us to call her Aunt Althea to avoid the confusion, but there's certainly no fun in that! So, we stuck with Auntie Al. One of our favorite memories--and hers too--is the time she jumped in the pool with all of her clothes on. Somehow that moment was etched in our minds and has chosen not to fade with time. I guess it reminds us of her spontaneity and her whimsical outlook on life. I think at times we all would like to return to the simplicity and joy of visiting her.

I last saw Auntie Al in 2002 when I traveled to Florida with my parents. She hasn't changed a bit! Sure, she walks a little more slowly than she did in the 1970's --and she doesn't jump into pools anymore--but she still has a spark that simply keeps me feeling happy to be near her.

I often wonder how my nephews and my niece will think about me in 30 years. I hope they get as much joy from their memories of times with me as I get from my memories of Auntie Al. Thanks, Auntie Owl!