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Wayward Auntie
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Wayward Auntie |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State 
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Wayward Auntie Both of Mama's older sisters were often humorless and grim, and even my own dear mother was inclined to be quaintly prim. I never knew my Aunt Bessie. She was Mama's younger sister. Can't say for sure, but understand she was certainly a blister. They didn't talk about her, not loud enough to be overheard, but if I stayed still and listened I could catch an unguarded word. I remember my aunts scowling while Mom looked over at me, holding her fingers to her lips, said, "D-I-V-O-R-C-E." Aunt Laura was beside herself, and with a frown upon her face said, "We really must disown her she is bringing us all disgrace" I don't know which divorce this was, but I know there were two or three. My mother didn't want to speak of my Auntie Bessie to me. One day Mama had a phone call and when she broke right down and cried, I asked her what the trouble was. She answered, "Your Aunt Bessie died." She wouldn't tell me any more. I heard in some way or another, There was an auto accident with one strange man or the other. I found some letters later on that informed me Mama had tried to find her baby sister Bess just a few months before she died. "You're just like Bess," an auntie cried, at some small misdeed I had done. "Well I hope so," my Mama snapped. At the least she will have some fun." I knew that she didn't mean it. She only said it to spite my aunt. That I should live a fractured life was something she would never want. My mama mourned for her sister though she didn't talk much of her. I knew she would always miss her and would never cease to love her. Aunt Bess was much before her time, living in such a carefree way and just maybe her adventures wouldn't seem quite so bad today. She had left five childen scattered here and there and I don't know where. That might be why my aunts were mad and didn't seem to give a care that when Bess died she'd been living in a boarding house all alone. Even Mom could't quite forgive her for not taking care of her own. I met some of Bessie's children in later years when we had grown. I then had a chance to ask them how they had made it on their own. They had been passed around by kin 'til they were big enough to go. They didn't have the kind of love I was so fortunate to know. They each had managed to survive but their growing up had been rough. My grandma raised the eldest boy, but she was old and times were tough. My daddy would tease Mama saying. "You are the best of the litter. She'd smile at him and tease right back. "Just be glad I'm not a quitter." I knew what Daddy said was true and was as glad as I could be that when Bessie had a daughter, she was my cousin 'stead of me. By:Joyce 07/09/02 [This message has been edited by Joyce Johnson (07-09-2002 11:18 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 Joyce I Johnson - All Rights Reserved | |||
Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Joyce: An interesting story. I guess every family years ago, had someone who was considered a "black sheep", who by today's standards wouldn't even raise an eyebrow! We had a couple in my family too! Betty Lou Hebert |
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pegasus111 Member Elite
since 2000-07-27
Posts 2219ocala, fl, usa |
I love story telling poems and this is a winner. Sometimes I think you are in my head Joyce like my muse, Adverse. You will understand more clearly when I post "The Old Man's Story"... the woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and many miles to go before I sleep...Frost |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Thanks Trillium. I think often about Aunt Bess for I know I never knew her whole story. Pegasus I will be waiting for that poem. Love to you both. Joyce |
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laryalee2 Member
since 2002-05-22
Posts 96British Columbia, Canada |
Joyce, this is enthralling! And it moves along so smoothly...a marvellous glimpse into lives and personalities... your own little family soap opera! Your compassion is clear, as you show all sides -- without judging. Excellent work!  Lary |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
dear Laryalee2 The story of Aunt Bess has always intrigued me, because I had to fill in most of it with imagination. I just never had the full story and some how I never dared to question my mother even as an adult. Thank you for your kind words. Love, Joyce [This message has been edited by Joyce Johnson (07-15-2002 01:16 AM).] |
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