Lessons from a Newly Initiated Ancestor: Aunt Annetta

This week, my Aunt Annetta (Aunt Nette) transitioned to join the ranks of our ancestors. While we weren’t especially close, the moments we did share were filled with laughter, warmth, and her unique wisdom—the kind that lingers in your heart long after the words have been spoken. As I reflect on her passing, I’m struck by the lessons she left me, lessons that resonate even more deeply now that she’s no longer physically here.

The World is Yours to See—Now

One of Aunt Nette’s greatest loves was travel. As someone who worked for United Airlines, she made seeing the world a priority and encouraged others to do the same. When I embarked on my sabbatical, she was one of the first people to cheer me on. She told me to “see it all now while you’re young—don’t wait until later.” This was the thing she was most proud of: seeing the world while her body still allowed her to move freely.

Her advice wasn’t just practical; it was a reminder to embrace the fleeting nature of time and the limits of our physical selves. Aunt Nette’s words push me to prioritize the experiences that make life rich and meaningful. She taught me that the world is vast and beautiful, and it’s waiting for us to engage with it while we can.

Prosecco and White Flags

In November 2023, I visited family in North Carolina with my niece, Quinn. During that Thanksgiving trip, Aunt Nette and I shared a bottle of Prosecco. For my Southern Baptist family, alcohol at family gatherings was a rare, almost rebellious act. But that moment wasn’t about rebellion; it was about connection.

We laughed, we talked, and we let our guards down. The Prosecco felt like a white flag for both of us—a truce in whatever unspoken distance had existed before. In those moments of ease and bliss, I saw a whole new side of her: a woman who knew how to savor life, who could make even the simplest moments feel abundant. I’ll always cherish that bottle of Prosecco as a symbol of the peace and joy we found in each other’s company.

Magic and Mystery

When I was a child, Aunt Nette was a marvel to me. Her travel schedule made her the “cool aunt,” a mysterious figure who seemed to live life on her own terms. She broke all the conventional fashion rules, effortlessly mixing silver and gold, and carried herself with a confidence that felt rare and enviable.

She also had the best stories. I’ll never forget the time she sat with me during bath time and I asked her about the scar on her neck. Without missing a beat, she told me she’d had a surgery where they cut her head off and put it back on. I believed her completely. To me, it was proof she was magic. That story cemented her as an anomaly in my mind—someone who could survive the impossible, someone extraordinary.

The Rich Auntie Vibes

Aunt Nette embodied the spirit of a rich auntie. As a single woman with no children, she lived loudly and abundantly. She traveled, she dressed boldly, and she always seemed to be unapologetically herself. Now, as I step into the role of aunt myself, I find myself reflecting on the kind of aunt I want to be.

Aunt Nette showed me that being an aunt isn’t just about showing up for holidays or birthdays; it’s about showing up with your whole self. It’s about bringing your stories, your wisdom, and your joy into the lives of the younger generations. It’s about being a little magic, a little rebellious, and a lot of love.

Carrying Her Legacy Forward

Aunt Nette’s passing is a reminder that the people we lose never truly leave us. They live on in the stories we tell, the lessons they’ve taught us, and the ways we honor their memory. Her life inspires me to travel more, laugh harder, and cherish the moments of connection I’m blessed to experience.

As I think of her now, I’m grateful for the Prosecco, the laughter, and even the wild stories about neck scars. I’m grateful for her magic and her unapologetic approach to life. Aunt Nette was, and will always be, a force—one I’ll carry with me as I navigate my own journey.

Rest well, Aunt Nette. You’ve shown me the power of living fully and loving boldly. Thank you for everything