What compels one to undertake writing a blog? Back in September, 2010 I was gripped by a sense of carpe diem. I distinctly remember that first post. It came out of my desire to wish my Aunt Betsy a very special birthday. On that birthday, I wanted to thank her for how she had enriched my life, helped me make decisions in carving my career path, and left me with stories and memories to last a lifetime.
Although the miles separated us, I wanted in writing to let her know how much I loved her and how much I appreciated her influence. In seizing the moment I began listing the memories in long hand. And in writing that list, it occurred to me “Goodness, there’s a lot here. The family needs to know this, but how to communicate it to a family strung out from coast to coast, from the US to Brazil, in China, to Holland and Germany. A blog post? It had to be a blog post, something with a URL they could find in this digital world.”
Henry Adams said, “Teachers affect eternity. One never knows where their influence stops.”
My aunt was a teacher. Although she taught in Spain, I ran into her students, the parents of some of my students in a suburban school district where I taught for 30+ years. What are the chances of such meetings? I never could have planned this.
Aunt Betsy, born on September 13, 1915 passed away Saturday, February 22, 2014.
You can read that first post here.
So sorry for your loss, Georgette.
My deepest sympathy for your loss, Georgette. Your aunt sounds like an amazing woman who had a long FULL life. I don’t think I had ever read your first post….she had quite the influence on your life. Love how she arranged for you to celebrate your brother’s birthday; she knew how “homesick” you were to take part in his day. Sweet.
Your first post surely did communicate the richness of her life, and the influence she had on you. We’ve all been enriched by your decision to begin a blog. Because of that decision, she’s had a bit of influence on our lives, too.
I’m sorry for your loss, and at the same time grateful you had her in your life for such a long time. I suspect you’re feeling that same mixture of sorrow and gratitude.
Thank you for sharing tia with us, Georgette, What a wonderful person she was, and while I’m sorry for your lost, I’m happy that you had such a person in your life from whom so many happy coincidences sprang.
The best part is that you were able to let her know how you felt while she was alive. Many times it isn’t until someone is gone that you start to think about their influence on you and it’s too late. I am sorry for your loss.
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
oh, what a wonderful tribute to her influence – again. my condolences to your family.
Love & condolences
A lovely tribute. Thank you for sharing her with us.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Georgette. I have a special aunt like your Betsy, myself. What a beautiful tribute to her.
We are certainly kindred spirits, Georgette. My aunt has been my greatest mentor and still living but has memory loss and suffers between knowing and not knowing, heart-wrenching to witness sometimes.
My blog is a year old this week. I have discovered I enjoy writing outside of academia, but most importantly love the interaction with other writers like you. How I’ve learned and been inspired these past months!
Blogging goes us a tangible way to express gratitude and also leave a legacy, don’t you think? God comfort you during this time of loss.
How truly lovely, that your aunt who you love and honoured on your blog gave us the blessing of you here on wordpress.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Aunt Betsy. She had a long and meaningful life and obviously had a huge influence on you. Your first blog about her is a lovely tribute to a life well lived. Blessings to you and your family.
So sorry to hear of your family’s loss, Georgette. Sending hugs and prayers your way.
Much sympathy for the loss of your “Tía” and much happiness for all the love and experiences she shared with you!
Thinking of you and your family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. What an amazing lady your aunt must have been and your memories of her will never be lost.
Georgette, a life well lived, and a lifetime of memories and experiences. How privileged you were to know her. I hope you find a way to weave your recollections of her into future posts and share with us this amazing woman who meant so much to you. Hugs!
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Georgette, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Losing those who are dear to us is difficult and painful. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs.
My thoughts and prayers to your Aunt Betsy and her family. Writing about our family and the people we care the most, making a tribute, reliving memories, these are just a few reasons why we write. It makes distance and time shorter and making beautiful moments come alive again and again. Wonderful post.
Oh boy…another person who has profoundly impacted lives – family, friends and layers of students. This chokes me, Georgette – so like the influence of my mom, the teacher. I wonder…was she typically amazed to hear your amazement?
She sounds like a very special woman. Rest in peace, Aunt Betsy.
Just now online at home to catch up on your blogs, but hopefully you know my heart has been with you along with my prayers. I know how difficult a family loss is, especially one so dear to you. She will live on in you & all those whose lives she touched along the way. XO