Aunt Roda

My aunt passed away Wednesday due to complications from a stroke. This week has been a blur. Everything happened so fast and we are all just trying to catch our breath and pick up the pieces. 

I keep typing sentences and deleting them. Because I just don't know what to say. There just aren't words. I'm sad that she's gone. I'm sad that my family is hurting. But I'm happy that I have so many great memories of her to look back on. These things are always bittersweet.

 

I remember opening the gate and telling Condor to stay in his yard. He'd listen and walk up and down the fence watching me as I went. I continued down the dirt driveway kicking rocks, singing to myself, sometimes dodging snakes. I'd climb up the front porch steps and just let myself in. No one ever knocked. No one ever needed to. I'd usually find my Aunt sitting in the kitchen with her feet up on the counter, taking sips from a Pepsi can while simultaneously smoking a cigarette and talking on the phone and/or entertaining company. Even though everyone lived right next door to one another, we all seemed to congregate at her house. I found myself over there just about every single weekend I was at my dad's house growing up. 

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She called me "black eyes" since I was born because my eyes were such a dark shade of brown. She loved Circus Peanuts, scary movies, talking on the phone, & her family. She called me every year for my birthday and although this seems insignificant, it always made me happy. And every time she saw me she gave me a huge hug even when I didn't want one because I was "too cool" for family affection. She's one of those people who is hilarious without trying to be. Like the time she called our dog, Condor - "condom". I couldn't stop laughing. There are so many funny stories that involve her I could write a book.

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I loved the slumber parties Nikki and I had with her. I remember her laying in bed, Nik and I on the floor (because we just wanted to be close to her), lights turned off, talking for what seemed like forever. I remember the three of us going to the store or going to rent the latest on VHS together. I specifically recall one time where Nikki and I had put small pieces of paper in her hair while she was driving. We thought it was hilarious at the time but looking back we were just being little brats. She realized halfway back to Geneva and just laughed it off. She didn't even get mad at us. The three of us were apart of the "14 Club" - all born on the 14th (June, August, & December). I don't know why but we always thought it was really cool.

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As I got older, the visits became less frequent. Those damn teen years. But any time I saw her she'd ask me about school, boys, and work. She was always genuinely interested in my life and I will always appreciate that. I loved our conversations. Sometimes the most simple interactions are also the most meaningful. Thanks for our talks. I'll keep them forever.