Actually, a near century has ended when you consider the sisterhood of Big Mama and Aunt Kate. Aunt Kate passed away on Thursday. The kids and I were blessed to spend time Mother’s Day weekend with her.
And, I’m beginning to think that Aunt Kate’s sassiness was inherited by my five year old. I’m not sure, but I think had Anna been a teenager post the crash of ’29, she would have cut her hair short, smoked a cigarette, and looked down a well in the month of May in hopes of seeing her true love’s reflection. Just like Aunt Kate did. Hence, my great task of parenting her intentionally.
Of course, I did dip snuff with Aunt Kate when I was a young one. Well, I’d put a tissue down my blouse like she did and she’d give me a red Dixie cup to spit in. Okay, to spit my cocoa in. Nonetheless, her personality was contagious enough to want to mimic.
And while I’ll miss her always telling me, “Love ya, babe,” no one will miss her like Big Mama. Orphaned at very young ages and raised by their eldest siblings, they endured a Depression together, times of war together, good times, and trying times. Big Mama married one Edward Goss. Aunt Kate married his brother, Van. They never closed their eyes to sleep without one calling the other to say, “Goodnight, sweet dreams, I love you.” Ever.
On the day Aunt Kate died, she called, “Callie Mae!” Big Mama made her way to her side. Aunt Kate didn’t say a word, but Big Mama just knew what she wanted to say.
“Goodnight, sweet dreams, I love you.”
A sisterhood that lasted 91 years. I really can’t imagine.
You’ll be missed, Aunt Kate. I love ya, babe.
DustyTakle.com 
Oh my, what a legacy. How precious! I hope my days are as full and as long. Thanks for sharing.
Great tribute…amazing memories…a real Steel Magnolia….much prayers and love to Bigmama..
Made me cry! What a sweet story of friendship and love. A legacy that will live on for a LONG time 🙂
Precious. Hugs to you all.
AAWWW – I’m so sorry for your loss. 😦
Such a sweet tribute to an amazing woman ! Hugs to you all! What a heritage to pass down to your children!
What an amazing family!!
I have known my sister 67 years and my brother 65 years, your SIBLING are your longest relationships we’ll ever have. Family is a God deal for sure.
Dusty,
Your words are simply wonderful! Yes, they endured as sisters, were able to “argue”like sisters….but never ceased to Love Ya!….and that was to all the family…whether you were a neice, great neice or “great-great” neice….Aunt Kate loved us all the same. when my grandmother died at the young age of 60, she filled that gap in my life, then when my own mother died at 60, she became my rock….then Casey became her “birthday present”…the greatest gift I could give back to her….then Jaime became Uncle Van’s “heathen”…and she worshipped the ground he walked on. And then there came Katie, her namesake…we told Katie that now instead of calling her Katie Bug…she was handed down the name “Katie B.” Your Dad did wonderful at the service….I wished I had that gift and the words..which know are “God given”…and he has always been so precious to our family! We can’t wait to spend some time with you & your family this July!
Written so sweetly….loved the pictures too! Quite a woman, and legacy she left! Praying for ya’ll!
that brought tears of tender sadness to my eyes! what a treasure to have had. i never met her, but i have know many older women like her. makes me miss my mama ida much. nothin wrong with a lil’ spunk!
You make stories jump out of words and grab my heart – a wonderful storyteller. I’m sorry for your loss, but thankful for your sweet memories with her and your willingness to share them.
Thank you, Mandy! She was a good time lady. It’s an honor to share her life with others.