Sunday, March 17, 2024
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How to sum up my aunt Tina in just a few words? Anyone who knew her would know that isn't going to be easy. She was a bold and fierce woman and would do anything for her family, especially her children. She would protect them like a momma bear on crack (I think it's okay to be funny, she was! And I think she would appreciate the humor).
My mother had a lot of health problems and had more than a couple of hospital stays, some were a bit long. My aunt Tina never turned me or my brother Jimmy away, even when she knew I was supposed to stay with another family member, so as not to be too much trouble for any one person. She knew how much it meant to me to stay with my brother (he was and still is my security blanket) when we were worried about our mom. She didn't even get upset when during one of our visits Jimmy got the mumps. and then passed them onto me, and I then quickly passed them on to Joe. It didn't seem like it bothered her at all. However, Joe wasn't too happy about it, especially since he got them the worse! Sorry Joe!
We lived across the street when we were growing up so as long as we didn't mind climbing those stairs (there were a lot) we would spend a lot of time at my aunt Tina and uncle Horace's house. They never seemed to mind. We had a lot of fun playing in the yard, in the pool, and even in the house! Their house was always filled with kids (and grown up), fun and a lot of laughter.
My aunt Tina was a real character. She was always up to something. It was fun to watch her. She was always good for big laugh. It was amusing to watch her drive my uncle Horace crazy, but he always took it in stride. He would just give a little chuckle, walk away as he was saying; "What are you gonna do!"
My aunt Tina and uncle Horace were very much involved with the Park Hill Boys Club. My aunt devoted a lot of time to the organization and loved being around all of the kids. A lot of the kids considered her and my mom as their second moms and loved having them around. You should have seen my mom at some of my softball games growing up. She would give the umps hell if she didn't like a call they made. I would have to go over and calm her down. She was never nasty, and most people thought it was pretty funny. She was also like a momma bear on you know what! My mom and my aunt Tina spent a lot of time together, she was good for my mom, she didn't have it easy raising her kids by herself.
I could go on and on about the adventures of my aunt Tina, but I think I hit most of the highlights of how she influenced my and my family's life.
Rest in peace my sweet aunt Tina. I look forward to seeing you on the other side!
