A Shining Example

Dear Grand-Aunt Wanda~

For as far back as I can remember, you've been my hero. You've unknowingly inspired the girl I was with your example and later by repeatedly encouraging me in many ways. Your response to my first letter, what actually amounted to a fan letter, after being told repeatedly that you would never reply, was thrilling. Did you have any idea what it meant to receive that letter? I felt as if a hand had been offered with a promise of lifting me up and in the years since you have certainly done just that.

In a time when the role of women was narrowly defined, especially within the culture in which you were raised, you dared to be yourself and not to adhere to the dictates of those who would hold you down and who would hold you back. I was told stories of how headstrong and independent you were. For me, being beaten down as I was, that alone was an inspiration to stand up for who I was.

When the world closed in on you, you dared to open it up though what was then an unconventional means. You joined the Army and became a WAC. Some could argue that you appeased your girlhood dream of becoming an actress by becoming instead an army intelligence operative behind the iron curtain. The courage you exhibited in doing this was unfathomable to me. Would I have done the same? Most likely not. I do not possess that brand of fearlessness. But how I wish I did!

Later, you operated a newspaper with your husband. You were generous in your success. You offered my aunt a chance to open her world as well, a wasted opportunity in my book as she refused to accept it. I like to think you would have given me the same chance. I would certainly have jumped at it!

As time went on, you enjoyed a rewarding career and an active social life, two more things I have never done because I am shy and lack self confidence. What I did do was become a writer. When the rest of the family eschewed my talent and love of creating whole worlds filled with people and adventure, you were there to take an interest and embolden me. You have never lagged in your championship of who I am and who I am coming to be.

I don't believe you will ever fully understand the ray of hope you've remained through the years. In so many ways you've helped me to become the person I am today. Perhaps you are headstrong and independent, but you are also gracious and brave and full of life. You've taken the world that would have limited you and made a unique place for yourself.

As I grow older, you continue to inspire me to not let age hold me back. As you have done, I want to enjoy a life filled with activity and surrounded by friends. Your body may have aged but it hasn't slowed you down, not really. When I feel myself becoming bogged down by life and thinking, at the ripe old age of fifty-nine, that my life is nearly over, I remember you and how full your retirement has been. I want the same for me!

Thank you, Aunt Wanda, for being you and for accepting me as I am. Thank you for being a shining example to a girl trying to survive in a dark place. And thank you for helping me follow my own dreams. Without being aware of it, you've gone before me and shown how I, too, can make my own place in the world.

You'll never fully realize how important you have been in my life and how I appreciate all that you've been and done.

With much love and admiration,

Becky