Dawn’s Delights

This column is dedicated to an Aunt I lost on Thursday of last week. Aunt Rosie was 91 years old and one of the sweetest ladies I know. She and my Daddy went to school together, long years ago. My Daddy used to tell me stories of how they were “sweethearts” in grade school. Aunt Rosie used to tell me how good looking my Daddy was in high school. I must admit, I would love for them to have gotten married. Alas, it was not to be.

Now Aunt Rosie was actually my first husband's Aunt, but even though he and I were divorced, she still considered me her niece. In fact, once I was introducing her to someone and not knowing the correct way to do so, I said my ex-aunt. I did not make that mistake again. She let me know real quick that she would always be my aunt. I never forgot that.

I get my hair cut in Hazen, where Aunt Rosie lives, so I would usually try to stop and spend a little time with her when I went to get my hair cut. Especially if I had one of my grands with me. Hattie Jo loved to visit Aunt Rosie and would always ask to play with this little stuffed puppy she kept on a guest bed in her home.

She was one of the most special people I know. She served as the Hazen Post Office until she retired. I daresay postal service went downhill after she retired. 

On her 80th birthday, she was given a birthday party at the Hazen Methodist Church Fellowship Hall that was very well attended, which only showed how much she was loved.

Aunt Rosie and husband Rudy Van Houten were a pair! They complemented each other so much and I know there were a lot of laughs in that marriage. After Uncle Rudy died, Rosie missed him terribly but didn’t let it get her down too much. She knew they would meet again someday. I am quite certain they are having the best reunion in Heaven and hopefully she will say hi to my dad and tell him all about my kids and grands.

I will miss you so much, Aunt Rosie! My love and prayers are with her family and friends. There will never be another woman as wonderful as her.

Until next time…