Isn't this a delightful photograph? It is my dear Great Aunty Hazel trying on one of my masks, during our New Zealand trip in 2006. Sadly, I found out a few days ago that she passed away in early April. She was 91 years old, and said that she was ready to go.
Aunty Hazel was one of my very fond memories from my New Zealand childhood! Purple was her favorite color, and all her clothes were shades of purple and lavender. Even her hair was often tinted purple! I remember helping her water her large collection of African Violets. I remember the exotic-seeming "Hoya" vine she had strung around the walls of her living room--each newly-opened flower dangled a single, delicious drop of nectar from its center, and I would circle the room, capturing each drop with outstretched finger and thirsty tongue! She had a fabulous toy and game cupboard, and I spent many, many hours playing with a box of kids magic tricks. Then in the evening, I would perform a magic show for the grown-ups! Dinner was always Campbell's tomato soup when I visited, and I still list tomato soup as one of my favorite comfort foods.
I am very grateful that I was able to visit her one last time. She had changed quite a lot from my memories, but was still wearing her signature purple. Every time I see a little old lady in a purple outfit, I always think of my dear Aunty Hazel.
2 comments:
Sorry for your loss. She had a good run, but we miss them just the same. It's a cliche, but those of us far from family understand all too well how family live in our hearts and minds, and she will continue to live there. Looking at that photo, I think your husband will get a good idea of what you will look like at her age. I see similarities.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, my scattered family members reside very firmly in my heart and mind. Even though I am typically unable to keep up with letters and email, I think fondly of them so often!
I think there is definitely some impishness that Aunty Hazel and I shared! But as my paternal Grandfather's sister, I don't think that she resembled me much at my age. But do I hope that I shall be a charming and impish old lady at the age of 91!
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