My(Great) Auntie's came for a short visit today on their way back home. My Auntie Mariah, and Auntie Ruth were at a retreat in Gloucester and drove to Massachusetts. I was so excited to see them even if it was only for afternoon tea.
Auntie Ruth or Sister Ruth as we call her is a retired missionary Nun of the Franciscan Sisters. She is a wonderful women full of life. Even at 76 she was singing songs and engaging with my girls the same way she did with my sister and I. Growing up she spent her time in Peru helping people. She is fluent in Spanish with a Doctrine in Chemistry. Sister Ruth is retired but spends her time volunteering and interpreting always willing to help others.
Auntie Mariah is one of the best women I know, and one of my mentors. She introduced me to things I would have never seen in small town/Midwest. I would visit her in the big city see the theatre, culture, and shopping.
I lived with her for a summer while doing an internship in college. We had such a wonderful time. When you are young college student drinking Boone Farms(Yes that was me) she polished me to the something called Chardonnay:) I learned so much about life from her that summer, and it's something I will never forget. Auntie Mariah is a retired professor from the University of Minnesota. At 72 she volunteers her time to the church, and to everyone else. She also has a pretty good golf game:)
Neither one of my Aunties' have a traditional family. They never married or had kids, but their lives are full even in their 70's.
My memories of them as a little girl is their zest for life. They played with me, told me stories, put my Christmas toys together:) My life wouldn't be the same without these amazing women.
I have many memories of both of them and it makes me sad that my girls will not get the chance to know them as well as I do.
