Aunt Mary

The long ride through the tunnels every Sunday for pasta at Grandma’s. Pretending no one saw me sneak into Aunt Mary’s room to watch in awe as she prepared to go out. I never knew where “out” was, but it had to be special and I was so grateful to hold the bobby pins and hair spray can for Aunt Mary as she worked for hours on making the highest beehive possible with her black hair. The make-up was perfection, Bambi eyes lined in black to match her hair. And then came the black leather pants and the tight shirt, the black leather jacket and the final misting of perfume. What glamour you held for me! In that very modest apartment in Brooklyn, you created the royal court of the Rebel Queen. I was your very willing little girl in waiting and you made me feel so special to attend. Thank you.

“By the shores of Gitche Gumee, by the shining big sea waters, stood the wigwam of Nokomis, daughter of the moon Nokomis”. I promise I didn’t look the poem up, I remember it by heart as you read that to me so many times, I have it imprinted on my memory.  You taught me how to play Monopoly and actually played until the game was over. You put your record player on repeat for me until “The Sound of Music” drove Grandma nuts, but I knew all the words.  Thank you.

When you graduated 8^th grade, I thought the dress you wore the most beautiful I’d ever seen. You gave it to me years later and I kept it in a box until 2 years ago. Thank you.

Hiding under the table while Grandma made it known she didn’t want you going out, knowing you’d make it through and go out anyway, hair and make-up intact. You taught me will power. Thank you.

I will miss you.

Your Niece, Lenore