Aunt Cary was the most glamorous woman I knew. My mother was frazzled with her three children and one on the way. Aunt Cary remained single throughout her life, lived in New York City, and had the luxury of velvet skirts, stylish hair and very high heels. Here I hand her an ash tray so that she won’t have to look for one. A chain smoker, Cary rarely was without one of her Camels.
Many years later I learned that my mother and aunt had a falling out this particular Christmas. They disagreed vehemently about my parents’ marriage. I am sure it looked very different to each of them. At any rate, she didn’t visit again for a few years. I knew nothing of that. I was just glad that she had brought me a very pretty dress and a French lollipop with a flower center. An exotic treat since we rarely had candy. I couldn’t wait until she came again.
Saved By Words 
I still like her. A lot.
And I am beginning to wish I had met her.
No, not beginning to. Actually wishing.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I am strangely drawn to her, and have no real idea why that should be.
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She had that effect on many men!
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I’m enjoying these recollections, Elizabeth
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Thanks. I am enjoying remembering her too.
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I’m sure
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Wow! She’s pretty! And in the photographs, she is more intent on you than the photographers, unlike pictures in old days. You must have had a lot of love.
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We did love each other.
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She looks glamorous, not like an ‘ordinary’ aunt.
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She was definitely glamorous at that time.
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Credit to your mom and aunt for not airing their disagreement and spoiling Christmas for everyone. I’ve watched parents bring their children into the middle of these disputes, and that’s not fair to the kids.
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No. I didn’t even know about it at the time.
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No wonder she was a key person in your life. So glamorous but also with the rare gift of knowing just what a little girl would love for a gift!
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She did have the knack.
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I am so enjoying these reflections of your aunt. When did you see her again after that Christmas? Thank goodness you were not privy to the disagreement.
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That is in todays post.
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I just read it. What a shock, and very sad.
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Thanks.
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Such rich and precious memories, Elizabeth. Thank you for sharing them.
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You are welcome.
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Isn’t it so funny how you remember things as a child?? I have memories like that too where I only focus on one thing and then now years later I talk to my family about it and they tell me a whole different story! Lol
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It is a shame when siblings fall out like this. My mom and her sister also had a tiff that lasted a few years. A lovely picture, Elizabeth, but camels [so strong].
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They always had a rocky relationship but cared about each other too.
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