Last year, Erin Blakemore wrote an incredible book about literary heroines entitled The Heroine’s Bookshelf. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting my favorite female characters and getting introduced to new heroines. Great heroines in literature are so meaningful, but they are nothing compared to the heroines in your own life. One of the most beautiful and special heroines of all has been in my family all along.
My mother has four siblings: three sisters and one brother. Through my Uncle Dave, my mother gained another sister in Karen. My first memory of her was thinking that she was beautiful. Uncle Dave and Aunt Karen live near Lake Huron and I used to love it when they hosted Thanksgiving at their house. It was always warm and inviting.
Aunt Karen is a devoted wife and mother and truly has a calling as a teacher. She is a proponent of literacy and I have her to thank for ever reading A Wrinkle in Time and Jacob I Have Loved. She’s quick to smile, but she is no push over. If toys weren’t picked up, they didn’t last long. Even then, there was love in everything she did.
Several years ago, Aunt Karen was diagnosed with leukemia. She didn’t let that get her down or define who she was. Talk about heroines, she’s a fighter. Her doctors have said she wouldn’t be here if she weren’t. To see her, you wouldn’t know that she was sick. Luckily, a bone marrow donor was found for her and we were all excited to have her healthy and well for good. While the transplant went well, a few weeks ago Aunt Karen developed pneumonia.
Over the course of the day I have come to understand that this women, a woman who has been in my life as long as I can remember, is my heroine.
When life seems to be such a burden, I will remember that today, a day when she is so very sick, my Aunt Karen clapped along with everyone singing “Happy Birthday” to her daughter.
A true heroine celebrates life at all times.
When I want an example of a life well lived, I will look no further than my Aunt Karen. This evening, my mother called and let me know that the doctors have told Aunt Karen that what’s left is to keep her comfortable. When I asked Mom how she responded, Mom said, “She smiled.”
A true heroine lives her life so that as it comes to an end she is content and happy.
My heroine is one hell of a woman and I love her very much. May I be half the person she is.
First of all: Aaaagh! Jacob Have I Loved!
Secondly: Thank you for this. For many reasons. What a lovely tribute to your aunt.
That was beautiful. Thank you for introducing me to your aunt.
I am sure if your Aunt was read this she would love it. This reminds us of what is important in life and to cherish those we love everyday and never take a day off cause we just do not know what is around the corner.
I love your memories of Aunt Karen and now they will be among mine. The way to honor your Aunt is to live as she did and take her with you in your heart always.
Your beautiful tribute has brought tears to my eyes. Your Aunt Karen sounds like one special lady. I pray for peace for her.
Thank you so much, everyone. Aunt Karen is still holding strong. I keep praying for her to find peace and rest. I’m also thankful that she did not pass on her daughter’s birthday. We will take all the miracles we can, big and small.
Beautiful essay about a beautiful woman.
I just read your update on twitter – so sorry for your loss, Jennifer.
Your Aunt Karen was a beautiful woman and a kindred soul. You have written a terrific tribute to her. I so appreciate you sharing her with us. Thank you.
Your post serves not only as a celebration of your wonderful Aunt but it’s a reminder for all of us that the real heroines and heros in our world are people like Karen who make the best of every day, who enjoy and celebrate life and who always have a smile to give.
Each chapter is short, and there’s not a lot of character analysis (probably purposeful, if the author wanted to only focus on one virtue for each character). The novels are all well known, and the author assumes that her reader has read all of them (personally I’m 10 for 12; The Secret Garden and the Claudine novels are the exceptions). The author’s writing style is engaging and precise, and she gets to her point pretty quickly.