How many of you remember that John Denver song, "Grandma's Feather Bed?"  I loved that song as a child because I had experienced almost everything the song describes except sleeping with a piggy from the shed.  Although I'm sure if given half a chance I would have. 

This post is actually a tribute to my Aunt Sissie, who was called Lou but that wasn't her real name either.  She passed away right after Christmas and I have been struggling with writing a tribute to her.  I can't remember the last time I kissed her.  I saw her this past summer but she wasn't an overly demonstrative person and I'm sure I hugged her good-bye but I don't think I kissed her good-bye.  That last kiss probably happened when I was a little girl.  I know it doesn't really matter, but everytime I think of that John Denver song I think of her and wonder how long ago that last kiss was.  I dont' think she would find that very flattering. 

She was strong, at least in my mind.  She married young, had five children, lived in harsh, stark, conditions at times, and became a single mom just after I was born I think.  She worked hard and was fiercly protective of her children.  Nobody was going to mess with her children, that priviledge was strictly hers.  My mom and I were often among those children that she protected as there was a large gap in my Aunt Sissie's age and my mom's, and we lived with her for a time. 

She never cut her nails, just filed them.  She wore lipstick every single day of her life I think.  She would put it on and then dab her lips on a square of toilet paper; ever thrifty because of those hard years.  I always cut my nails and I don't wear lipstick but I learned something about being a lady from her.  Taking pride in your appearance and putting your best side forward. 

She was a quiet, private person.  She enjoyed playing computer games, reading books, and redesigning her home.  She loved to travel and I have been to Canada and Mexico with her.  She could be quite stubborn and indecisive all at the same time and this has created a family joke.  Whenever we would try to decide what we were going to do or where we were going to eat, it could take at least an hour maybe three to finally make a decision.  My own children had come to learn that you may as well bring along a good book because that was going to be the best way to spend their time while waiting for us to choose something that Aunt Sissie would agree to and was suffiently satisfactory to the rest of the adults as well.  Now that she is gone we will probably decide on things rather quickly, but maybe, just maybe, I will purse my lips this way and that and stick to my guns that I don't want to eat at a hamburger joint.  I won't know where I do want to eat, I'll just know that it won't be at a hamburger joint.  I'll think of her every time.

I'll also still think of her when I hear "Grandma's Feather Bed" and that line, I've even kissed Aunt Lou, Eww! 

So here's to you one last time my Aunt Lou, S.W.A.K.