One Less Card to Send

I am sending one less Happy New Year card this year.  This past year we lost my Great Aunt Marian, reclining in the photo above.  My Great Aunt Margie, middle, died in 2009.  My maternal grandfather, at top, died in 1993. 

This picture was taken in December 1935.  Isn't it great?  My grandfather was fourteen, his twin sisters a little older.  Now I have no more great aunts (or uncles) left in my family.  A sad milestone.

But I do have wonderful old photos, and better yet, memories.  This trio of relatives above look mellow, but let me tell you, they were a hoot!  All of them.  My grandfather, six feet tall, had two green thumbs, and he loved to cook.  He was also great with animals, especially cats.  My aunts, both under five feet, were always laughing and telling stories.  Both of them played ukulele and were involved in several civic groups and clubs.  They were the life of the party, even into their old age.

I hope to start learning the ukulele this year.  I have the one that my paternal grandfather (deceased 1999) once used.  I hope to channel all three of them as I play and sing "Has Anybody Seen my Gal?," and " I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, and (excuse the un-PC title) "Little Brown Gal."

For that is how we honor the loved ones we have lost, am I right?  By remembering them, telling their stories, and passing on their traditions.

Happy New Year!