Thursday, September 9, 2010

Aunt Althea

Two days ago, we laid my Aunt Althea to rest in Valley View Cemetary - by her mother & father. My dad's side of the family is very small & very close, so this has been a difficult past week & a half for all of us. I don't know how many of you are close to your aunts, but let me tell you about mine.

My Aunt Althea was a let-you-ride-in-the-back-of-her-truck kind of aunt.
A take-you-out-to-Pizza-Hut, and-Lagoon, and-the-movies kind of aunt.
A laugh-out-loud, sing-out-loud kind of Aunt.
My aunt was a crazy-spoil-you-at-every-occasion kind of aunt.
A go-shopping-with-you-and-buy-your-first-prom-dress kind of aunt.
A save-for-my-college-education kind of aunt.
A dance-like-no one's-watching kind of aunt.
A-fly-to-St. George-to-watch-my-triathlon kind of aunt.
A make-you-laugh-out-loud-e-mail-forwarding kind of aunt.
A thoughtful-make-you-cry-e-mail-writing kind of aunt.

My Aunt Althea never had any children. But she didn't have to spoil us like she did. She didn't have to care like she did. She didn't have to love like she did. But she did.

I won't say she was perfect, but I will say that she was a wonderful, Christlike woman.
I won't say she didn't have her vices, but I will say that I wish everyone in the entire world had an aunt like my Aunt Althea.

I love you Auntie Al. I miss you from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes.

8 comments:

Lena Baron said...

Oh I am so sorry!! I remember her being a big part of your life. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I worked with Althea. (A co-worker forwarded this to me.) Althea was the most ethical, trusted, pin-point accurate person I knew. I always enjoyed talking to her and will miss having her here at work. I'm sad that there was a big part of her personality and life that I never knew about, but only learned when reading her obituary. Glad I was able to see your post and video. Thank you for sharing.

Ryan and Shannan Hoffman said...

Oh so sorry to hear about your sweet aunt... such a sad loss. We will keep your family in our prayers. Love you!

lindsay said...

As you know, I didn't know your aunt but from your sweet post, she sounds like a memorable, loving woman. My thoughts are with you, Heidi! Beautiful words!

Marta Nielsen said...

Heidi, that was beautiful. Trisha mentioned the slide show and I'm so glad you posted it. Althea was beautiful inside and out, always so generous, and always lightening things up with her great sense of humor. She will be missed by many.

Tiff Meister said...

Heidi, thank you for all the hours you put into the video and for posting this for others to see. We were so blessed to have her part of our lives. Love you Heidi and thanks again!

Melissa said...

Such a sweet post! Since I was 30 before having kids, I remember a time I was kinda "down" about not being married and not having kids. My brother had a few and told me to forget about myself and serve the kids that were around me. (in so many words) I will always remember that advice and how awesome it was. I LOVE people like your Aunt that just "get it" and treat the kids in their family like they are their own. Your post about her is so sweet. I'm sorry for your loss.

Unknown said...

Dear Heidi. I dont cry often but now I did. Your love for your aunt was and is huge. What a wonderful person she was and what good things she did on this earth. Let us all follow her example.
Love Lotta