Prayers for My Auntie

My Aunt Harriette took a fall this weekend. As I write this post, she has made an almost miraculous turnaround considering how it all started. We arrived at Hot Town for our monthly visit. Right before we arrived, Mom and Dad had run down to Auntie's house because she had fallen. I think we had assumed that this was not that serious of a deal, but when the ambulance had to be dispatched Carole and I figured it must be of serious nature, so we went down. I have to admit, I was starvin' Marvin after the trip from Portland. In a very Elaine Benes Joojie Fruit moment, I couldn't go to Auntie's house without at least a handful of chips, I think I might've taken my time, and I will probably never live this down. Imagine my guilt to find that Auntie was unconscious, and would not be breathing save for the quick thinking of the neighbors, family, and the medical pros.

Not not to bore the family with the details that we already know, Auntie was life-flighted to Emanuel. Through some miracle, Auntie is breathing on her own again, but is far far from out of the woods.

My Auntie is more than an aunt though. My grandmother on my father's side died when I was fairly young. I really did not know her. As I have mentioned before, being a military brat we were far from "home" for many years. During those years and during the subsequent years after we moved back to Hot Town, Aunt Harriette filled the role of my grandmother. I can remember fondly visiting Aunt Harriette and Uncle Hugh on their farm in Birkenfeld. It was here that I broke my first bone whilst climbing around in the hayloft against Uncle's wishes. I also remember them taking me through some God-forsaken logging road into Clatskanie to get my cast removed since the regular roads were closed due to snow and we needed to get that cast removed. That is the kind of people Aunt and Uncle were.

During the military years away, I enjoyed talking to my Auntie on the phone, as she would stay in touch frequently with those long-distance calls. I remember distinctly one such call where I know Dad and Auntie were discussing what Auntie had sent us for Christmas. I put my ear up to the telephone wire to try to hear what she was saying. Hey, I was a child and thought this would work, and I never was that bright of a child! Auntie would always send an incredible Christmas care package every year. Again, this is the kind of person my Auntie is.

When we settled in Hot Town, we literally moved up the street from Auntie, and I would visit her very often during my teenage years. Auntie was always easy for me to talk to and would speak on my level. She was always caring, giving, non-judgemental, and a confidante who would never betray my trust. She also baked fabulous fudge, and there was always a PBJ and can of Coke in the offing whenever I'd drop in. Auntie helped me learn to drive, and was probably the most calm of all my "victims." Auntie's house was always a gathering place for family, and I always loved going there.

Like any good grandmother, she doted on my siblings and I. I know that in the past I have mentioned my father as being the jolly ol' elf when it comes to Christmas. The only person who could ever surpass my father's Christmas generosity would be my Aunt. If the Chase house on Christmas morning was a plethora of giving, then Auntie's house on Christmas eve was a virtual Cornucopia of gift wrap and good cheer.

In recent years we have grown apart. This is my fault, and not by lack of effort on her part. I suppose family, obligations, schedules, and other miscellaneous business has changed my focus. But, these are lame excuses at best. I suppose we tend to take for granted the ones we love. So, Auntie if you ever get around to reading this blog (and I know you check in from time to time), please know that we love you very much and am praying for a speedy recovery, though I know the path may be difficult.

So, when you get a chance, please drop a prayer for my Auntie, because God is listening.

Comments

[Liz]

My thoughts and prayers go out to your Auntie and your entire family. Please keep us posted on her recovery if you can!

[g]

praying for auntie as i type this...

[Carole Karnofski]

From your lips to God's ears.

[Liz]

I hope she is continuing to improve!!

[g]

that is great news Matt!