Aunt Dorothy

I met Aunt Dorothy as a newlywed just as her irascible husband entered his retirement years at the age of 55. I was quite intimidated by this mother of four grown children who seemed to have the energy of a washing machine constantly on the spin cycle.


Meals on the table with the precision of a mess cook in charge of an army of one, a bite of food not homemade ever touching the lips of Uncle Roy.


Baking, canning, cleaning, sewing, crocheting, church pot lucks and retreats, a home kept immaculately clean. I was worn out by her energies, I couldn't possibly imagine what her secret must be.


As I share my second post of the day, laundry folded and put away, pets fed and walked, house spic and span, I am struck by the amount of energy that seems to fill my days.


Aunt Dorothy's secret no longer one, empty-nest life stretches before me like an endless winding road.


Just an explanation offered for the crafts that seem to pour forth from my craft room without end. It's not that work and other things don't occupy my day, it's just that my mind seems to constantly be on speed dial!


I will say to my husband, "At least I'm being constructive!" and he will in turn reply, "Yeah, but it doesn't earn us any money!"


There wasn't a moment of any day spent with Aunt Dorothy that she didn't greet me with a warm smile and a piece of pie. And so this is where I am in my life's journey, a very happy place to be.