(3rd Post) Aunt Gloria

My stay at Gloria’s was the best. And although I was parked in her driveway, I stayed in her beautiful home. At 90, she is far busier than most people I know!

Monday we went to 2 assisted living homes where she leads the residents in old hymns. She has the songs memorized and knows most of the seniors by name. They light up when she enters the room, and you can tell she’s the highlight of their day!

Tuesday Gloria works at her church in the office. She also helps make sack lunches for the homeless there. She gave me the grand tour of her beautiful Baptist church (which took almost an hour, because it’s so big!) and it ended in the memorial garden where her beloved husband Don peacefully rested.

Afternoon naps followed by cocktail hour – can it get any better than that? Yup! A trip to a good ole southern BBQ family restaurant for dinner! I think she knows them all in a 100-mile area! North Carolina barbecue is known for their apple cider vinegar BBQ sauce. Pork or chicken doesn’t matter, the sauce says it all! Little spicy, not sweet, it just makes you want more! Should have taken pictured. But I just couldn’t help myself, I had to dig in!

Meeting my aunt’s friends is a blessing in many ways. Grateful to see she is surrounded by so many supportive strong people who love her, and who enlighten me on the southern terms they use!

They knew my story from Gloria. One lady commented on how brave I was for taking this solo journey. I leaned forward and thanked her and added, “Or crazy, right?”

“Oh no, we would never say that! We would say brave!”

Line dancing, card clubs and visits to her garden club friends, and of course daily stops to her boyfriend Dr Jeff of 10 years, Gloria’s life is full. May we all be so blessed.

Had the privilege to travel with her to Carey where my cousins live and see their beautiful homes. Celebrated my cousin Rick’s birthday along with his family and brothers and sister. I told them what a blessing that was to have family so close – and not just in distance.

We gathered again at the ‘beach houses’ in Emerald Isle Labor Day weekend. Gloria wasn’t about to let me leave yet so I drove her down to the beach! It’s heaven there.

Walking the beach in the morning with Nella has been so healing.

I can tell this is my cousins’ sanctuary as well. They were all there, with their families and grandchildren. It was a time to play at the beach, cook fabulous meals, watch sunsets together, and just be in the moment. Life is good.