Over the weekend, I engaged George in assisting me to declutter. Sometimes, I need a warm body for companionship but one with a high reach is always especially helpful. My main goal was to get the bookcase next to my bed cleaned up as it was overflowing. There were steps to the process both literally and figuratively. There were hard decisions to be made, this time about books to keep or let go of as well as objects that had special memories but no place for display. As I was trying to find space to move books around, I came across a book in the living room bookcase (as opposed to the bedroom, dining room, or spare room bookcases!) I immediately knew who it was from.
It is a small collection of essays about Provence given to me by Aunt Joy, my father's one and only sibling. She passed away in 2003 before I knew exactly how much we were alike. I am still becoming aware of who I am and giving myself permission to do so. It has been a reassurance that I was like someone in my family. Aunt Joy moved away from our hometown of Ethel after high school, went to college for social work and married a doctor in New Orleans. She loved the arts and to laugh. Her advice for family get togethers was to avoid discussion of religion or politics.
She and I would have been okay to discuss politics because I believe we were on the same page, I just didn't know it as clearly as I do now.
I would have been interested in her take on religion as well.
We have a European school trip planned for June including France. Are we going there?!!!
I run to find the itinerary and I actually know where it is!!
I cannot remember things as clearly as I use to. And I NEVER thought I would be traveling to Europe... again. My family went to the UK in July and it was extraordinary. A trip I will never forgot. When I think of it, I am filled with JOY.
I find the papers.
WE ARE GOING TO PROVENCE!
How thrilling! This is a huge God wink and I take it in. Thirty three years later, and a present from the past comes alive again. A wonderful time to remember my aunt, to remind me to laugh, and to Dream.
How many dreams do I have now? It seems like I stay more concerned with surviving and working to stay peaceful in my heart and mind. This is a wonderful check to ponder dreams. I have dreams for my children but what I am dreaming of for myself. At times, I don't feel worthy, but in this particular instance, this book and this trip, is totally kismet.
Also, dreams don't have to be grand. They can be quietly purposeful.
Namaste
Aunt Joy with her grandson Jack around June 2002 on a riverboat in New Orleans. I would have been pregnant with Riley due in October 2002.
This picture was taken outside of her home on 39 Lark in New Orleans. From left to right, My brother (in chair) Aunt Joy, cousin Kay, myself, and my mom and dad. The date is sometime in the late seventies?
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