My Aunt Aleta passed away two weeks ago. She was my Mama's older sister. Since 1978 she and her family have lived in Mississippi. I loved going down there to visit when I was a kid. I especially loved being allowed to 'help' them out at their campground. I remember they had a huge map of the campground up on the wall where guests would check in. I never missed an opportunity to scramble up on the check-in desk and point out on that map where campers should go. I was quite proud of myself. :D
Aleta knew how much I loved little touristy trinkets and she always made sure I got a visit in to the Hurricane Camille gift shop. One year I got an entire 'frog family band' made out of seashells. That was a treasured gift displayed on my window sill for many years. She made the best seafood, especially gumbo, that I have ever tasted (and I lived in southwest Louisiana for awhile!).
Aleta loved my boys and they loved her. She and Jackson had a special connection for sure. He was her 'escort' the last many years at any family event. He would come up alongside her and offer her his arm and off they would go.
Aleta hadn't been well the last couple of years. In fact, the last few years have been pretty darn hard. Dementia is an awful thing for any and all to go through... for the person suffering and for their loved ones suffering alongside. My cousin, Shari, stated it best... "Mama is okay now. She knows how much we all loved her." When I learned Aleta had passed away I quickly had an image come to my mind of her smiling and joy-filled face. It gave me such peace. That is the Aleta that I remember and that I believe I will see again. Thankful for all the good memories and for the promise of new life.
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| Aleta, Dale, and Sue playing on the leveler in Powell, WY |
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| Sue, Dale, and Aleta - Wyoming |
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| Dale, Aleta, and Sue - Wyoming |
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| Aleta |
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| Sue, Joyce, and Aleta with Julie, Jeff, and Steve |
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| Dale, Cecil, Aleta, Lottie, and Sue |
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| Grandma Lottie, Aleta, and Shari |
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| Aleta, Laura, and Sue |
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| Aleta, Jackson, and Sue |
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| Charlie and Aleta |
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| Charlie and Aleta |
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| Charlie, Aleta, Jeff, and Laura |
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| Aleta, Dale, and Sue |
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| Daddy, Mama, Charlie, and Aleta |
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| Aleta and Jackson |
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| Aleta |
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| Brianna, Jackson, Aleta, Jonathan, Mama, Daddy |
I made this video in 2016 for Aleta and family. Sharing it here in honor of her.
And here is a video of Mama, Aleta, and Dale (siblings) sharing memories of their childhood homesteading in Wyoming. Precious stuff.
Links to more homestead memories...
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