My Aunt Alice meant a lot to me, all through my life. She taught me many things by her example. She and my Uncle Jack and Cousin Charles used to live right next door to my grandparents and my Great Aunt Amelia, on Dewey Avenue in Totowa and so on Christmas and Easter my Dad (her brother), my Mom and I and my little brother Russ always visited both homes.
One time when I was very young, I happened to be there when Aunt Alice was applying the dye to my Grandmother's hair to make it blonde! Later, I know she was a faithful caretaker during my Grandmother's long illness. In this she set a great example for me, because I am my Mom's caretaker today.
I also think about Aunt Alice when I work in the gardens around my home. I think about how long she remained independent and self-sufficient in her own home.
I also feel so good to think of how she kept the faith and how her mass was held in the same church where I made my first communion. How I wish I could have been with you there today.
