Twenty-five years ago today, the UK went slightly overboard in celebrating a solar eclipse. I remember that day well for other reasons.
After returning home from work, my mother met me at the door and told me the news. My aunt had passed away.
She had been living at a home for the elderly for a few years before that. The people at the home had reached out to tell us she left us in her sleep.
I've written about her many times over the years. The main thing I always try to point out is she was like a grandmother to me.
I only had one living grandparent when I was born. My nan died when I was four -years-old and my aunt more or less took over as being the wise, senior person in my life.
She would offer to look after my sister and I when my parents were at work. I would love those Saturdays at her place watching The A-Team, Airwolf and other things. Also - most importantly - it was at that little flat where I first came across the WWF when the British wrestling on ITV aired a special featuring the stars from Stateside.
That was where I first came across Hulk Hogan - a person I would eventually root for once the WWF's TV completely invaded our homes. Funnily enough - it's his birthday today.
I've thought about my aunt a lot over the years. Especially recently. She was a mega cat lover. She once came on holiday with us to Greece. The place had stray cats everywhere and I remember my aunt slyly wrapping food up at the table and then taking it out for them to eat.
That little thing has always stuck with me. I constantly am reminded of it whenever I think about her.
Her own cat - Mitzi - hated me! She was a spoilt brat but loved my aunt. The relationship between Mitzi and I put me off cats for many decades. That's why I always find myself shaking my head at the situation I now find myself in as a cat owner myself.
My aunt would be happy about it. I know that.
No comments:
Post a Comment