Monday, March 8, 2010

Happy Birthday Aunt Paula


Aunt Paula celebrates a big birthday today. She's 50! I cannot believe it. Aunt Paula is only 9 years older than me. Since I spent a lot of time at my grandparent's home, Aunt Paula always let me hang around. We played, we cooked, we laughed. There was even a time or two she wanted to see a Disney movie. Using me as an excuse to go, Aunt Paula and her friend would take me to see the latest Disney flick. She taught me the real reason why girls painted their toenails. She practiced makeup techniques on my face while we listened to Peter Frampton. She volunteered to take me to the Bevier Homecoming to ride the kiddie rides, that is, until boys came into the picture. There were times she'd get home late from a date (with an excuse quickly at hand), sewing an outfit for home ec class, telling about her day, her love for animals and going to college made me admire her and want to be just like her.

Aunt Paula is beautiful, smart, witty, fun loving and nurturing. If it weren't for Aunt Paula, I doubt I would have taken some of life's paths that I have taken. Grandma and I helped move her to NMSU, now Truman University, (Actually I was probably in the way, but I got to tag along) and see her meet her first college roommate. It was so exciting watching her leave the nest. Even though she was only 40 minutes away, she would send me an occasional letter. How I would cherish those letters and read them over and over. My parents never pushed me into anything. If it weren't for Paula, I highly doubt I would have gone on to college. She made it seem fun and exciting. I knew that's what I needed to do. I copied her love of playing the saxophone, music and dancing. If there is a person I want to emulate, it would be Aunt Paula.

We have the same nose, teeth, and smile. We share the same love of animals, music, cooking, humor, being in the sun and most of all family. At my grandfather's funeral, she introduced me as her little sister or described me as being like her little sister. I loved that. Always wanting a huge family with brothers and sisters, my parent's families were as close as I was going to get. That was/is good enough for me. Because I have Aunt Paula.

When the day came for Aunt Paula to grow up and move away I was sad. She was no longer close, moving to that city so far away, St. Louis. From there she grew and claimed new roles as wife and mother. She and her hubby have raised a wonderful family of one son and two daughters. They are tall. And they are truly wonderful kids. All because my Aunt Paula is one tremendous mother. I'm happy to know her! I love her with all my heart. Happy 5oth Birthday Aunt Paula. I love you!

9 comments:

Becky K. said...

Your Aunt Paula sounds like a very fun Aunt. I have a "young" aunt as well. She and I used to have tons of fun...before we each got married and lived in different states.

Sue said...

Hi Lisa....your aunt sounds like a wonderful lady and how lucky that she was your mentor growing up...and how fun it sounded...All my aunts were old Italians with gold teeth...hair in buns and canes....no fun at all....

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the birthday wishes. I can't believe I'm 50 either. Time has passed so quickly. I believe you've given me much more credit than I deserve. We did have fun growing up together though. You are and always have been my little sister in my heart. I love you dearly.
Aunt Paula

Gayla said...

Hi! What a wonderful birthday tribute! Tell your Aunt Paula hello for me! I loved having her in class my first years at Bevier!!! Hugs to you both!

♦Down Willow Lane♦ said...

Great post.You sound like you have a great relationship...something truly special.More like sisters.

Terri Steffes said...

Awwww! I have a young uncle who I loved to torment as a kid. He went to Viet Nam and I remember how scared I was that he'd not come back. We were lucky that he did. I went to Truman at the same time your aunt did... I wondered if our paths crossed?

Farmchick said...

Happy Birthday to Aunt Paula...she sounds great! :) Come say hi.

Justabeachkat said...

Happy Birthday to your Aunt Paula. What a sweet tribute you've written!

Hugs!
Kat

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Your Aunt Paula did a fabulous job of helping you grow up too.
Those 9 years don't seem so far apart now do they?
Hope you had a happy St Paddy's day.