Much sympathy for your loss and I know exactly how you feel right now. My own Americanised Aunty died only last year and I miss her dreadfully sometimes. She went to the US as a young twenty year old in the early 1960s with her husband and stayed for over 40 years. She worked on Manhattan and lived across the river in New Jersey and actually watched the Twin Towers come down from her kitchen window. They came back to Ireland in around 2006 to retire. I loved going around to see her and I called her Tip after Tippi Hedren (the famous actress from Hitchcock Birds) because she was just as stunning to look at as her. I would fix things around the house for her because poor old Jim, her husband, was slightly infirm by that time. We would chat for hours about politics and she was especially loathsome of Trump when he won in 2016 - ‘he’s just not Presidential’ she would opine loudly in her half American/Irish twang. Even when we sat down and watched the PBS Clinton documentary that recounted both Hillary and Bill’s earlier monetary misdeeds whilst he was Governor and then, later, how he abused his position with other women, Tip would still insist she’d rather have him as President than Trump! We would tease each other mercilessly over this and just fall about laughing. However, it was an attitude that stumped me given her intelligence and old fashioned, conservative values. Then, just before the COVID outbreak, she got ill and was taken into a care home where she languished on with Dementia until she passed away last year. I would visit occasionally, but she would sometimes not even know who I was and it nearly broke my heart. I guess, with some of us still, our love for other members of our families trumps (excuse the pun) all other considerations and we can comfortably live beside them regardless of their strong political viewpoint no matter what it is. If there is any hope in reconciliation and ultimately for the future of the West, then surely it is to be found in that!
Maybe now, in the "spirit realm," she realizes the error of her ways (ha!ha!ha!ha!).... I'm sure her soul is laughing along with me.... Blessings to you, Jenny, and blessings to the soul of your "Aunt Gee Gee." : )
I read this while I sit on a sofa behind my elderly mother as she listens to CNN, mesmerized all week by the DNC. She's been a loving and supportive mother, a good soul much like your aunt Regina. Family is family no matter the politics.
Wow, I can see the resemblance! What a blessing to have such a loving, authentic woman as your aunt. I’m so sorry that she passed away, but very glad you made such wonderful memories with her.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your cherished aunt and looking forward to your scathing essay on the Democrat Convention.
Thank you Susan!
A beautiful tribute and a sad loss. May you find comfort in your memories, and in the cherished blessing of your big, beautiful family.
Thank you so much Leah.
Sweet tribute! Godspeed.
This. Always. I hope you find some solace in your family, friends and your writing. I’m sorry for your loss. A big hug all the way from Mexico.
Wow, all the way from Mexico! That's amazing. Thanks for being here!
Peace, Jenny. And blessings of memory.
Thank you Mark
Much sympathy for your loss and I know exactly how you feel right now. My own Americanised Aunty died only last year and I miss her dreadfully sometimes. She went to the US as a young twenty year old in the early 1960s with her husband and stayed for over 40 years. She worked on Manhattan and lived across the river in New Jersey and actually watched the Twin Towers come down from her kitchen window. They came back to Ireland in around 2006 to retire. I loved going around to see her and I called her Tip after Tippi Hedren (the famous actress from Hitchcock Birds) because she was just as stunning to look at as her. I would fix things around the house for her because poor old Jim, her husband, was slightly infirm by that time. We would chat for hours about politics and she was especially loathsome of Trump when he won in 2016 - ‘he’s just not Presidential’ she would opine loudly in her half American/Irish twang. Even when we sat down and watched the PBS Clinton documentary that recounted both Hillary and Bill’s earlier monetary misdeeds whilst he was Governor and then, later, how he abused his position with other women, Tip would still insist she’d rather have him as President than Trump! We would tease each other mercilessly over this and just fall about laughing. However, it was an attitude that stumped me given her intelligence and old fashioned, conservative values. Then, just before the COVID outbreak, she got ill and was taken into a care home where she languished on with Dementia until she passed away last year. I would visit occasionally, but she would sometimes not even know who I was and it nearly broke my heart. I guess, with some of us still, our love for other members of our families trumps (excuse the pun) all other considerations and we can comfortably live beside them regardless of their strong political viewpoint no matter what it is. If there is any hope in reconciliation and ultimately for the future of the West, then surely it is to be found in that!
Mike, what a great story about your aunt! I was really moved by it. And I share your views on hope for reconciliation -- let's focus on that!
You see the world with so much compassion! May you take comfort with your family in your time of sorrow.
Basic humanity is always worthy of recognition.
Maybe now, in the "spirit realm," she realizes the error of her ways (ha!ha!ha!ha!).... I'm sure her soul is laughing along with me.... Blessings to you, Jenny, and blessings to the soul of your "Aunt Gee Gee." : )
Yeah, not a chance would she change her mind! More likely her spirit will find a way to haunt Trump in the White House! 😆
Very sorry about your loss. She sounds like a terrific person to have known.
Can't wait to read your reaction to last week's Dem extravaganza.
So beautiful, Jenny. God Bless Aunt Gee Gee.
I feel as if I know her after your tribute. Like, I was so happy when you wrote she upgraded to a condo with a pool!
…and yes, Politics be damned- she was a good person!
Thank you!
I read this while I sit on a sofa behind my elderly mother as she listens to CNN, mesmerized all week by the DNC. She's been a loving and supportive mother, a good soul much like your aunt Regina. Family is family no matter the politics.
Exactly!
Very sorry for your loss dear Jenny.
Thank you!
Love the 70s picture! It could be an album cover. Peace be with you.
That was my parent's wedding!!
Wow, I can see the resemblance! What a blessing to have such a loving, authentic woman as your aunt. I’m so sorry that she passed away, but very glad you made such wonderful memories with her.
Heartfelt condolences. A beautful tribute.
(btw even when I don't agree with your scathing essays I like to read them.)
sending love
Thank you Barbara, you are a rare bird!