30 days of gratitude: day 12 – aunt vivian – define liminal : finding the space between

day 12

dear aunt vivian,

it’s a shame i didn’t have a relationship with you until high school, but i think we’ve made up for it in the last 15 years! life wouldn’t be the same without your wisdom and humor.

i am grateful…

that my dad has a twin sister equally as cool as he is
that i can still fit in most of the clothes from ruthie’s guided shopping sprees from my youth
for spring break 2009 when you let me crash lily’s texas tour to help me recover from a broken heart
for your incredible basketball skills, especially in the pool
that you, ruthie, and pupsi (and annie) are such amazing female role models
that we both love gin & tonics
for the 60th birthday we got to celebrate together with you twins
for your support of my endeavors, especially when it means donating to causes like the boys & girls clubs of grand rapids
that you have taught me that true love comes in all forms
and that it takes work to last (35 years and counting?)
that ruthie is embarrassed by us in public (but secretly loves us more for it, maybe…)
for that time you “accidentally” touched the matthew barney exhibit with your foot to see what the goopy sculpture was made out of (example of #11)
that you rock socks with sandals and can pull off a visor somehow
that you (but probably mainly ruthie) support my love of the arts by taking me to amazing exhibits and musicals
for your sense of humor, worry-free attitude, and outgoing spirit
that you let me spend a few weeks at your place every summer in college
and that i now consider your house one of my adopted homes (although i guess i have to fight pupsi for my bedroom every now and then)
for the stories of your past adventures
that you aren’t afraid to fill me in on the schneider family secrets and memories of my dad as a child
for your and ruthie’s heartfelt listening and “subtle” guidance
that you need me to help set up your technological gadgets and teach you how to use facebook
that i am a “schneider woman” and am proud of everything that comes along with that title
that you were able to join us for one of our recent family reunions
that you’re in good health, even if we had to postpone skiing in tahoe
for the fact that you’ll binge watch netflix shows with me (despite ruthie’s disapproval)
that you infect everyone you meet with joy and laughter
that you and my dad blow your noses the exact same way (not grateful that i may have inherited that trait)
that you love sports and cheer for michigan for me
for your stubbornness and independence
that you’re my aunt (who dreams about what it would be like if i was your daughter)