1979 – 2018
My Aunt Cely
My Aunt Cely…….to know her you would experience a quiet strength. A person who took in everything around her, joyously embracing each new day and experience. A person who loved her family beyond any limits. A person who celebrated natural beauty, artistic beauty, and spiritual beauty. She never met a stranger and took great delight in holding in-depth conversations to understand “who you were.” She had a way of seeing the world through different eyes – a view that was both gentle but firm in conviction. She always (ALWAYS) had other people on her mind and would slip you a sweet note in the mail (always on very exotic paper!) or a package would unexpectedly arrive. One time with a book – “Tanya, I saw this book on elephants and immediately thought of you. But, it looked soooo interesting I had to read it first. And, it is FABULOUS! I just know you will love it.” She had the gift of breaking down a very difficult situation into a stunningly simple solution. I remember when Madison was four, Aunt Cely was in Houston and came to visit. I expressed my frustration at this strong willed, Shirley-Temple-curl headed child of mine who wanted to do everything by herself. Aunt Cely said, “well Tanya, it is very obvious what is going on. Madison wants to be just like you! Be patient with her and sit back. Tell her she can go ahead and take care of whatever the task is, but if she gets stuck, you are there to help her.” And, just like that…..I was suddenly released from this battle that Madison and I would struggle with every day! I will miss her dearly and will forever cherish my memories of her.