Saturday, July 22, 2023
As a kid, I didn’t spend a whole lot of time with Tia Mary. I saw her during the holidays, and sometimes when visiting at grandmas. I remember her always giving me a big hug and always being happy to see me, just like she did with all of her nieces and nephews. In overhearing grown up conversations, I also remember thinking, “hm, Tia Mary is a little bossy.” Now of course with two kids of my own, I know that is just a role big sisters play. But as I grew older, I came to appreciate every bit of that “bossiness.” I remember one incident in particular, when my mom was in the hospital after having surgery. I was staying with her overnight at the hospital and had planned to care for her at home while she recovered. I remember thinking, “how hard could it be.” Of course, I was wrong. My mom was in a great deal of pain and I found myself not knowing what to do to help. The next day, Tia Mary came to the hospital to visit, and man am I glad she did. Like I had seen her do so many times before, she sprung into action and was quick to tell me what to do and how to do it. Except this time I didn’t see her as being “bossy”, I saw her for what she truly was — helpful, smart, and an overall angel, coming in with the right advice at the perfect time. From that point on, I had a newfound appreciation for her — for all of her love, her kindness, her compassion, and her confidence and ability to take charge in any situation. From then on, I looked forward to any visit with Tia Mary and openly welcomed any advice or wisdom she chose to impart on me. And I’m grateful to say that in my adult years, I did get to spend some quality time with her. From sewing together or just the occasional phone call to say hello, for all of it I’m grateful.
-Adrianna
