Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Very difficult for me to imagine that Aunt Audrey has passed. I leave the following thoughts through my eyes – the perspective of a daughter of Audrey’s brother-in-law, USN Capt. Harry Emerson Irwin.
I admired and looked up to Aunt Audrey for many reasons. As a mother, she was instrumental in keeping her children close to their extended family and I envy my cousins for those close relationships and numerous memories … especially with our grandparents.
I recall that she saw the humor in almost everything and her laugh made me feel so warm and comfortable during my conversations with her. She had the ability to approach life’s difficulties with grit and humor … and I had the impression that she never thought that things would not eventually take a turn for the better. I also admired that she was the “real deal” as she always had the pluck to be honest and occasionally constructively blunt. I loved that when I trimmed “or was it butchered?” her patio bushes because they were blocking her view of the yard … she let me know that I got a wee bit aggressive. We had a good laugh about it and continued our now “unencumbered” patio view while sipping our tea. And speaking of tea…. She taught me that I had to boil water in a teapot as microwaving water spoiled the tea. Last, but not least, I treasure the love of books that we shared. Talking about her favorite reads was a great connection that we could maintain even though we lived far apart.
I could go on and on about the warm memories and positive influence that Aunt Audrey imprinted on me. I think that is the best legacy that any Aunt could hope for. And I am blessed for having experienced it.
‘Death ends a life, not a relationship.’ This quote will help me be o.k. with Aunt Audrey’s passing. Although she is no longer here for me to visit on earth, I know that the memories we forged together live on and I know she will continue to influence me as she joins our family members that held her dear (and I already have a rather convincing story posed by my children about that).
Aunt Audrey would hope that all of us cousins and grandchildren will keep making memories together – and I will try to live up to that. Lynn Irwin Camp, Salida, Colorado.
