Allow me to introduce you to my aunt Vernie. She was and is my most special aunt. She was born a Downs Syndrome child only a year younger than my Mom. She has the sweetest spirit of anyone I have ever met.
As a child one of the perks of visiting Grandpa Masts was that I could play with Vernie. From the time I was a toddler to about 8 years old, she was my best friend. We would play with our dolls, and spend hours coloring, she would read her story books to us and give us rides on her wagon or swing, we would talk and sing and play any game we knew.
Then the day came when I could read by myself, and discovered the books had a story completely different from what Vernie had always read to me, and tables turned a bit as I would read the books to her. She didn't seem to mind, but somehow the books got laid aside, and we focused on our dolls and coloring books.
Time went on, and I no longer played with my dolls. I can still see her so plainly, eagerly coming to greet me with her dolls when ever I came, and I would tell her I'd rather help her color.
She would look disappointed, but was still happy to spend time coloring together, and so it kept on. I was growing up and gradually leaving my childhood behind. And she could only stand there and watch me go where she could never join me, for she would always live in childhood.
As one group of nieces and nephews grew up there was always another one and so the same cycle would repeat itself.
There was always things we did together, like washing the dishes, working in the garden, cleaning house, food preparation for canning, and little odd jobs and we always had to sing a few songs.
Some years ago I had the chance to once again spend time with her, and had to smile at how thrilled my own children were to play with her.
Memories of her are bittersweet, sweet because, well, she was sweetness itself. But bitter because I could have made life a little nicer for her by not thinking I'm too big to play with her.
I will always love her and have a very special place in my heart that only she can fill. I wish there was a way I could let her know.
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“...she would always live in childhood.
ReplyDeleteAs one group of nieces and nephews grew up there was always another one and so the same cycle would repeat itself.”
I like how you put this, and how delighted your children were to play with her.
Thank you. She truly is a gem, and I count myself blessed to have her as my aunt!
DeleteHow sweet. Such wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful for memories!
DeleteVernie sounds like a very special person. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteShe really is! Love her so much!
DeleteI'm sure she did know, as your love would have come through in all your times with her.
ReplyDeleteI really hope so!
DeleteHow is your Aunt Vernie? Prayers all is well. God bless. :)
ReplyDeleteVernie is doing well. She's living with one of her sisters in Michigan at the moment. Her siblings are taking turns having her live with them since Grandma passed away.
DeleteI'm the one that asked a few days ago how your Aunt Vernie was. Thank you for responding to my question and doing this post about her. You said she is in Michigan. When I was a child we used to live in Michigan near an Amish community . I'm sure you will think of a way to let your Aunt Vernie know how special she is to you:-)
ReplyDeleteDo you mind me asking which community?
DeleteWe were outside of Pittsford, which is in Hillsdale county. There were quite a few Amish in Reading and Camden as well. I remember my dad stopping to see an Amish family once, and I played with the kids and their stilts:-)
DeleteFun memories. :) I thought I might be familiar with the community, but I'm not. There's just so many of them. :)
DeleteWe were then close to Shipshewana in Indiana when we moved to Ohio. You've probably heard of that one?
DeleteYes, I have heard of Shipshewana. :)
DeleteWhat a lovely childhood you and Aunt Vernie enjoyed. What a special gift you were to her and she to you. Thank you for sharing your special relationship. ♥
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteThis is so poignant, and real. Bless you and your special relationship.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSuch sweet memories of your aunt Vernie.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you must miss her a lot.
I do! There are days I wish I could turn back time and really enjoy another day with her like I used to.
DeleteI so enjoyed reading about you and your Aunt Vernie and how she enriched the lives of the children in your family. Beautifully written. It's good to know that your Aunt Vernie is doing well and living with your relatives. For me, the Fall season always makes me wish I could go back in time and do some things differently and see beloved faces that I have missed for many years now.
ReplyDeleteI also find fall makes me feel nostalgic.
DeleteThis post brought tears to my eyes. I love how you so enjoyed playing and spending time with your Aunt. So many children today are raised to look down on those who are differently abled than themselves. What a precious gift you and Vernie gave each other-- true love and friendship. I am so happy to hear that she is well.
ReplyDeleteThanks ... Vernie's and my friendship is one I'll always treasure.
DeleteA very touching blog post. Thank you for visiting mine. I'm not as active in blogging as I used to be because of circumstances and health.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Sometimes a blogging break is needed.
DeleteSweet story! We all wish we could have done some things different.
ReplyDeleteWe do, don't we.
DeleteYou have many nice memories of your Aunt Vernie. So sweet that she played dolls and colored with you - two of my favorite things in childhood too. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
I treasure the memories I have of her!
DeleteOne of my favorite blog posts.
ReplyDelete