A Tribute to My Aunt Ouida

September holds many memories for our family, both births and deaths. Today, our family grieves the loss of one of my aunts. Even though it has been some time since I saw her, the memories of my Aunt Ouida are dear and sweet.

As a child, I was part of a large extended family on both my dad’s and mom’s sides. My dad was from Mississippi and grew up in a household with four brothers. We lived in Alabama, so we often traveled to Mississippi to be with our family.

I remember the excitement I felt on the day we would leave for one of our Mississippi trips. I was restless at school, waiting for the bell to ring, knowing that my parents would be ready and waiting to leave for our trip!

Our family lived in Smith County, Mississippi, and my grandparent’s home was on a dirt road. Each trip home, as my father turned onto the road leading to my grandparents’ house, he would drive slowly, so he didn’t stir up the dust on that dirt road, but I just wanted him to hurry! I knew, just like every time before, the family would all be at my grandparents’ house waiting for our arrival.

The weekends were always fun-packed and busy, playing hard all day on Saturdays with all my cousins. Without a care in the world, we were up and down that dirt road from early morning until late evening, playing and enjoying our time together. Life was good.

Late in the evening on one of our trips, I was one tired little girl after a hard day at play. My Uncle Cecil, and his wife, Aunt Ouida, were going into town. Even though I was tired to the bone, I wanted to go with them. So did all my cousins. So we piled into the car, and off we went.

It was a beautiful night; clear sky with shining stars and a bright moon. The windows were down, and we rode down that country road, breathing in fresh, clean air. I rode in the front seat, snuggled up next to my Aunt Ouida.

Why I remember that night so well, I can’t explain. But I remember as if it was yesterday and can still feel my aunt’s arms around me, snuggling as we talked and giggled while traveling down the road. I fell asleep in the car, and it was the end of a perfect day. The last thing I remember that night was Aunt Ouida tucking me in my bed and placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. The world felt safe and secure to one tired little girl.

Not a significant memory. Nothing spectacular happened that night. It is just a sweet memory of my family and how much I cherish growing up with such a strong, loving family.

I have special memories of my childhood visits to Mississippi that I will hold tight until I take my last breath. Sometimes the things that matter most are the simple things in life.

I have been reminded during the last few years how fragile life is and how quickly things can change. Also, how wonderful it is to have those in my life who share memories with me of childhood days.

Family is a blessing to have, to hold on to, and to grow old together, remembering the simple times in life from childhood days.

Thank you, Aunt Ouida, for snuggling with me one beautiful night so many years ago, and through that memory, God reminds me of the beauty of family. And, when life gets so busy and confusing, it also reminds me that sometimes all we need is to take a slow, peaceful ride, breathe in the fresh night air, look at the stars and the moon, laugh and giggle, and enjoy life with one another. It will pass much too fast.