Aunt Phyllis (Aunt Whissie, we called her), my mother's little sister, was my favorite aunt. From earliest memories of us coming from Central Oregon to visit her, Uncle Don and my dear chums Larry and Bruce, she made me feel like the most loved, special and appreciated child in the whole world. Feeling that way around her never changed.
I remember sitting with her on the back porch as she introduced me to the crisp, sweet delight of peas fresh from her garden and how to carefully shell them for supper, snacking and giggling as we worked. Pansies and sweet william still remind me of her.
She could sew anything -- draperies for Mom's new house, coats, suits, purses, shoes -- even bras! Dresses she sewed for me in grade school made me feel rich and beautiful. I thought her so clever and skilled, and loved to hear her play the organ. She patiently taught me to play it, too. In my teens and early adulthood, I can still see her, my mom and me laughing together over some silly thing till our stomachs ached and our eyes watered. She always looked up to Mom, as little sisters do; but Mom always considered her the talented, capable one. They loved each other dearly, and adored their brothers. The prominent characteristic I saw in them all (though I never knew Uncle Ray except from their fond talk of him) was gentleness.
Indeed my Aunt Whissie was a most loving, kind and gentle soul, with a sweet, girlish vulnerability about her -- a precious part of my life. I wish Rich could have known her.
Now utterly free, secure and at peace, she'll keep blessing us all. Thank you for everything, dearest Aunt Phyllis.##imported-begin##Cheryl Warren & Rich Gordon##imported-end##