And not the collard green type, if that's what you're thinking. I was craving Mississippi soul food of a different kind...
I have REALLY been missing my mom lately. I was beginning to feel the ache that starts swelling inside my chest when I get to really missing her. The ache turns into a big tight knot in my throat which usually turns into rivers of tears and depression. However, this time instead of diving head on into that storm alone, I got in my car and drove to Mississippi. Just a short 3 and half hours away is my mom's only sibling, my Aunt Chotty. I spent the weekend with her & my uncle, and let me just say that a visit there is never ordinary, to say the least. My aunt is a nut, and by that I mean crazy, and by that I mean a total HOOT! This weekend we mostly slept, and ate and talked and laughed. But in between, we got pedicures, raced around the neighborhood on her 4-wheeler, ate whatever we wanted and drank yummy mimosas. Oh, and did I mention the sleeping? Ahhh.....the sleeping!
This picture is us after a joy ride (hence the wind-blown hair), and yes... I'm in my jammies if that's what you're wondering. What did you expect? I just told you we slept a lot. It was just easier to stay in them during ALL the activities, so as to save time when ready to slide back under the covers!
And if you're wondering what the neighbors thought of two adult women (one in a pink robe)hauling butt around the neighborhood screaming and laughing, well... they thought nothing out of the ordinary. Anyone who knows my aunt knows what she's capable of...anything!!
A big dose of her was just what my soul was craving. Sometimes you want a friend. Sometimes you want a good cry. Sometimes you want some scripture or prayer. Sometimes you want a day off. But sometimes you just want your mom. I've been wanting mine lately. And the next best thing for me is my Aunt Chotty. Thank God He gave me her! I'm so thankful for her...that we have each other...that we're close...that she's not in Texas anymore!! ...that my husband lets me go when I need to see her...that she loves me like a daughter.
When we're together, there's no need for schedules or pressure or stress. Just time together. Girl time. Whether napping or eating or screaming or laughing or shopping or crying or talking or getting our toes done...It's good for my soul.
And that, my friends, is true Mississippi soul food.
12 comments:
I'm lovin that you had your time away.Al and I were talking about how special it must be for you to have time with her..brought tears to my eyes to read about it. Ron told me about your crazy aunt and hiding things...your family cracks me up. I'll call you this week to talk about the mouse place.
p.s. come Tuesday!
Actually, you expression says it all..hadn't seen THAT smile in a long time.
Yay, I'm so glad you had fun and got some lovin and relaxin with your aunt.
The expression on your face is grand enough to feed my soul, too!
I am so thankful for you!
Hey Abbey, I'm so glad you had such a great trip.
Allison
That sounds like so fun! Good Aunts are hard to come by. You are truly blessed. That is my dream to be a good Aunt to my neices and nephews! I long to be a home away from home for them. Now, all I need is a 4 wheeler! HA! My heart aches for you and I have no comforting words to fill the void of your mom but I think she did a GREAT job raising you - you are very unique, fun-loving, EXTRA SPECIAL - I feel a priviledge to know you!! Love ya! Pg
I think of you and your mom a lot. I cannot imagine the heartache. I have always felt awkward mentioning it because of my complete dunceness. I do think of you both often.
I'm glad that you had your weekend with you aunt. Your eyes held relief and contentment.
What a beautiful, bittersweet story. Thank you for sharing your heart. What a blessing your aunt is, and I'm sure it is so precious to her to have you!
Although I was only 11 when my mom died, I was older when dad died. I had just turned 20. So I can't imagine growing up without your mom and then loosing her. I was much closer to my dad (only because I grew up with him through those formidable years). Praise God you have an awesome aunt. Especially because she can tell you so many stories to help keep your mom real for you and for your kids. Thats awesome!
Girl, I keep coming back to your site just to see that picture again. Really! You are amazing! It looks amazingly similar to a picture I remember seeing of you as a teenager!
It makes me smile alot.
Abbey, Your post about your Aunt Charlotte reminded me of a hilarious story your mom had told me years ago.
Your aunt had just moved out to Texas. She drove some humongous SUV and either parked on the line, or really close to the line, in some parking lot. Some Texan in his cowboy hat and boots came up to her swinging his arms like he’s about to make a citizens’ arrest, yelling, “Lady, you can’t park like that!”
She looked him up and down, then replied in only a way your aunt could do, “And who the hell are you--Wyatt Earp?” and kept walking without batting an eyelash.
I have just been waiting for the day when somebody in a parking lot says something like that to me & I’m gonna pull out that Wyatt Earp comment! Tee hee – thanks for reminding me of PK and how we laughed and laughed at hilarious stories over the years about their crazy, hilarious family. I miss her so very much.
Love ya!
Charlotte Theriot
Good post.
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