Ode to Aunt Jo

Wonder how life would be now

If you were still around

You always said to follow your dream

And my dream has finally been found

Sorting through your belongings

Your life works are in my hands

I'm amazed at all of my findings

What acknowledgment could time withstand

Aunt Jody you've been a mystery

For a good part of my life

In your way you always encouraged me

Supporting my latest delight

 There are pictures of us in a camera box

I would have been two or three

You wore horn rimmed glasses, they were hot

And liked movies with Grace Kelly and James Dean

When the family moved West with my Grandparents

You had trained from Secretary to Nurse

As you mapped your life dream with diligence

The Canberra to Hawaii plan was well rehearsed

Your big loud laugh created infectious smiles

We relished talking about happy fun things

A fan of Elvis you wore trendy hairstyles

Mysteries and Tabloids your favourite readings

As I grew our relationship altered

You never married or had children of your own

You sent letters and postcards from Hawaii

And every year would come visit home

 I was standing on my own feet

A rough start yet you always stood by

As a part of our dysfunctional family

Internal struggles were rarely argued or cried

You ventured to Spain for an extended trip

To see sights of your hearts desire

I remember you practicing your Spanish

Practice, practice and never tire

You moved back from your dream to the family

Grandma was moving to a seniors home

I now had a child and was working full time

So we communicated more often on the phone

You still had your hobbies and projects

Needlework, collecting coins and stamps

Continued as member of the Screen Actors Guild

Betsy your old Dodge Dart had to be revamped

I can't seem to recall a dull moment

Whenever you were coming around

You always tried to live life to the fullest

Discovering new fads or learning something profound

When Grandma died you seemed to change

Floundering in your life's direction

You didn't need her approval anymore

So your dogs got more undivided attention

You lived more South and I lived more West

It was wonderful to have a visit

When my daughter was graduating from High School

You arrived with Mom, two dogs and your tickets

You started to suffer from various ailments

Which Doctor's had trouble working out

You knew heavy smoking for so many years

Would effect your bodies slow sure burnout

I remember that call from emergency

You are the closest family to manage

My boyfriend and I made our way to your side

To help you I considered a privilege

The next year was tough many moments of doubt

Then finally you started to get better

The family had rallied at your bedside

So great to see you looking more chipper

Then to watch you take steps to regain your life

The challenge you took with a vengeance

Walking to driving to the dogs back with you

Your world looked like it had some assemblance

My husband and I planned our honeymoon

On motorcycles up to Alaska

You asked that I bring a bumper sticker back

And I promised a return visit over java

We were on the road and I tried calling you

But there was no answer on your phone

I received a call three days into our trip

You were found dead all alone at home

My soul reeled when I phoned the family

They wanted us to continue on our trip

The emotions all mixed could I do something more

To have averted your life ending script

I sit with one of your dogs beside me

Reminding me of the good times we shared

You indirectly have inspired my writing

Which is my dream that Ive finally declared

I'm still sorting through your belongings

Your life works are in my hands

I'm amazed at all my findings

What acknowledgment could time withstand

Wonder how life would be now

If you were still around

You always said to follow your dream 

And my dream has finally been found 

Copyright Kathryn Jean May 30th, 2011