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    Home » farm life

    By Amanda Smyth 4 Comments

    say yes | lessons I learned from Aunty Marj

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    We lost a special lady last week, my 84 year old Aunty Marj.

    I say 'my' but we're not related. She's my mate Kelsey's childhood neighbour, whom I adopted in my late teens. Aunty Marj had a kind word for everyone she met, and some sage advice for a young woman named Amanda, who thought too much about what other people thought.

    Aunty Marj had experienced great sadness in her life. She'd lost a baby, then a young daughter and later, her husband Ron. Her losses hadn't hardened her though, she was a lively little bird who always seemed to be laughing. When I put my arm around her I was always conscious that she'd fit under my armpit if I weren't careful.

    There's a lot to learn from Aunty Marj's approach to life. At her wake, her adult grandchildren fondly remembered swimming with her in the pool last Christmas and it made me think about what my girls will remember of me when I'm gone.

    They won't remember what I looked like in my togs. They won't remember the spider vein on my left shin or the scar on my right thigh.

    They'll remember I was there, in the pool with them. Doing silly synchronised swimming impersonations and trying to do the longest handstand.

    So this summer, I'm adopting Aunty Marj's ethos. I'm going to get off the sidelines, get in my cossie, eat the cake, have a go, swim in the ocean, stay up late dancing and be memorable.

    The rest of Aunty Marj's stories are not mine to share but I will carry them with me as a little reminder to say yes.

    will you be getting in the pool this Christmas?

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Colleen says

      December 16, 2016 at 7:48 pm

      Oh Amanda I love you and your approach to life! I had an 'Aunty Merle' . She was actually my dads cousin but back in the 60's as I was growing up, we called EVERYONE Aunty or uncle. She wore leggings with mid drift tops...sequins... And put glitter on every top she owned! She was a staunch Salvation Army recruit and saw sunshine and good in everyone! I miss her terribly! She was a wonderful mentor....embrace their teachings....and SMILE when you think about them...THANKYOU Aunty Merle, I love you!

      Reply
      • Amanda Smyth says

        December 17, 2016 at 10:33 am

        Hi Colleen!!!
        I can't help but smile picturing Aunty Merle in her sequins!
        A x

        Reply
    2. Maxabella says

      December 17, 2016 at 6:03 am

      Aunt Marj sounds like a go-er and her advice is sage. I get in my togs as often as I want to. I'm very self-conscious about it but my kids don't need to know that!!! x

      Reply
      • Amanda Smyth says

        December 17, 2016 at 10:32 am

        Love your work Bron. xx

        Reply

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