A Niece's Remembrance

The funny thing about finding myself well and truly in the middle years is that the memories of my younger life have become like beach glass. What was once sharp and crystal clear has been altered by time to be soft around the edges and everything that I look at through them is hazy. The images are there, but they are not so distinct.

When I try to remember specific times and events with Aunt Irene, I just can't seem to grasp any of the details. What I do recall is the lavish love and attention she gave to each of us. Aunt Irene made everyone feel important and unique.

I credit her for introducing me to two worlds. It was through the stories of her travels that I became aware of the wider world beyond my limited childhood experience: alabaster animals from Mexico, a shawl from Spain, perfume bottles from France - these treasures and the letters she sent to our family helped me to understand that there was so much more to see and know in this world.

She also introduced me to the world of imagination. My life-long passion for reading was kindled by her frequent gifts of books - every birthday I eagerly waited to see what wonderful book Aunt Irene had chosen just for me. As I write this I can look up and see on my shelf the tattered copy of A.A. Milne poems she gave to me on my 4th birthday. I never outgrew it and it remains a touchstone for me, as important as my Hymnbooks and the Shakespeare plays.

Although she loved us all unconditionally, I know I wanted her approval very much. There was something about her that made me want to please her. Perhaps this was the secret of her success as a teacher - no one wanted to ever let her down.

Kathryn Phillips