April 9, 2004 - Long Distance Smile

Because of this family friend, whom I've called Aunt Dottie for decades, I bought a new car (OK, used) last fall. This in order to ensure that I could make it to a special event being held to celebrate her husband's (whom we call Uncle Tom) 60th year in the ministry.

Aunt Dottie truly is a family member to me, and I'm glad I made the trip to see her and Uncle Tom on that day. She enjoyed the photos I took of the occasion, as well as a fruit basket I sent her on her birthday, at my mom's suggestion.

Looking back, we've spent so many years together, I have a lifetime of good memories, many of which contain Aunt Dottie and her joyous smile.

A minister's wife, Dottie led the choir when I was young. I spent many happy hours playing with my friend, Kymbra, in the parsonage on the afternoons before choir practice, when she would come home on the bus with me, that being easier for her family.

Especially while my mom was still a stay-at-home mom, there were countless afternoons of shopping and talking. I remember playing on the floor while Aunt Dottie and Mom talked, Aunt Dottie ironing clothes. She never used an ironing board but used to iron on a footstool as she relaxed in her favorite chair.

In addition to the parsonage, provided by the church, Aunt Dottie and Uncle Tom had a private home filled with antiques. My special favorite was a large dollhouse, to which Aunt Dottie was always adding miniature furniture and accouterments, including holiday decorations.

Countless evenings, we would enjoy dinner at their house and then my brother and I would fall asleep on the twin beds in the guest room upstairs, until our parents were ready to leave. I used to pretend I was still asleep, so they would carry me out to the car.

We took family vacations with Aunt Dottie and Uncle Tom for years, traveling first to Chautauqua, New York, an amazing gated community where concerts, cultural events and lectures were common. We stayed at a hotel that was more like our own private apartment for the week, and Aunt Dottie and Uncle Tom stayed each year in their own special apartment.

At Chautauqua, I saw my first opera, saw live ballet performances and enjoyed countless musicians' performances.

Later, wanting to go somewhere new, we went on vacations to Ocean Grove, New Jersey, staying once more in a little boarding house where we made friends with other yearly visitors, enjoyed quiet walks on the boardwalk and family outings.

Many years, we spent New Year's with Aunt Dottie and Uncle Tom, either at their home or with some of their other friends, other members of the church.

And through it all, Aunt Dottie's bright smile, her cheerful good nature, and her amazingly bright mind.

Here, at last, the sun appears to be breaking through. I hope my flowers brighten Aunt Dottie's day the way she's brightened my life.

Moral:
Flowers are a long distance substitute for hugs and smiles.