A Visit With Aunt Y

When Russ and I got married, his Gigi (his mom's mother) and his grandfather were no longer living.  Russ and Gigi had a precious relationship as she did with all her grandchildren.  I was privileged enough to get to know her before she passed.  I will cherish that time, and I am sorry that I didn't know her better and longer.  She suffered from some dementia, and she actually thought Russ and I were already married.  So, we always smile knowing she already knew we would marry one day.  Since Russ's grandparents on his mom's side were no longer living, his mom asked if Aunt Y and her husband could stand in as "honorary grandparents" for her side of the family.  We, of course, said yes.  Aunt Y is Gigi's sister.  Russ's great aunt.

I have not seen her since the wedding.  In fact that was the first time I met her as well.  She lives far away, and is unable to make the trip alone.  Russ and his brother actually visited her this winter, and they had a delightful visit.  This past week, Russ's dad drove the 8+ hours to pick up Aunt Y and brought her back to our hometown for a weeklong visit.  She and Aunt Julie (Russ's aunt) "painted the town" all week.  Ha!  They visited old friends and family, made a trip to Tupelo, and even had an impromptu dentist visit.  Russ was away in Chicago taking his boards last week, but we made sure to visit with Aunt Y before she left.

Aunt Julie had informed us that all she talked about was meeting Millie Janalee.  Russ and I couldn't wait to introduce the two of them.  So, Sunday afternoon after church we loaded up for the day and visited Russ's childhood home.  Aunt Y and Aunt Julie came over, and we enjoyed our day together.

Millie Janalee even walked over to her and gave her a big hug around her knees.  Our sweet girl loves hugging these days, and I hope she never loses the interest!  She talked and talked and talked while walking around and playing with her toys.  Aunt Y loved just watching her. 

We also enjoyed talking with Aunt Y.  Russ's family did lots of talking about the past and remembering old family and friends.  Grace was such a sweet big cousin taking care of Millie Janalee all day.  She and Jenny stayed until we left after supper Sunday night.  Millie Janalee LOVES Grace! The first thing she did when Grace arrived was run over and laid her head in her lap for a hug.  They had the best fun!

Millie Janalee enjoyed the attention from the rest of the family as well.  Of course.

We put off her nap so that we could have a good visit with Aunt Y, so toward the end of the visit she was hinting around to a little sleepytime.  Not too fussy...but that smile was a little hidden behind those sleepy eyes...

Aunt Y began to say her goodbyes.  A few tears were shed as she and Russ's mom shared a moment together.  Aunt Y gave a few instructions to Russ's mom to help her to improve her health, and they hugged and held hands as they just looked into each other's eyes.  It was sweet moment that I couldn't help but watch.

These women are such a wonderful example of a kind, loving, meek, Christian woman...because of the examples of the women before them.  Aunt Y and Gigi being two of those. 

When you meet Aunt Y you can't help but fall in love with her sincerity and kindness.  Her love shines through her joy-filled eyes.  If you ever want to know where Russ gets his kindness, generosity, and why he is just so amazing...it's because he comes from such a wonderful family.  Filled with sweet spirits like this.

And I am honored to be a part of such beauty.  I have a lot to live up to if I am to model after these women.  I'm pretty sure it isn't even possible.  But, I can tell you that their grace and beauty inside and out has impacted my life more than they will ever know.

It was a wonderful visit with Aunt Y.  One I hope we can do again before 8 more years pass by.