Roberta and Mom
Growing up, I had one sister, Cathie. We were relatively close in age, and over the years became not just sisters, but close friends. Part of me feels this is because of the relationship my mother, Jean, had with her sister, Roberta.
Though I grew up in Cape Breton I do not think there was a month go by that we did not visit with Aunt Roberta, Uncle Sonny, and their children Sheri, Dale and Sheila. We vacationed with them, and took tunrs visiting each others homes. Because of this Cathie and I became life long friends with our cousins.
Mom and Roberta always had a "best friend" kind of relationship. As we grew in to adulthood Cathie and I beacme more appreciative of our Aunt and Uncle. When I was in Grade 12- I travelled many weekends to visit my friend Carrie in the hospital- they would always pick her up and bring her over to supper. Later I found out they sometimes did it when I was not visiting too. They were just like that.
For a period Cathie lived with them while she attended university. When Cathie moved out and into an apartment with me, not a week would go by that Roberta ( or "Bo" ) would drop by to get us for supper. We celebrated holidays, birthdays, and not so special occasions- but the main thing was Cathie and I were made to feel like Roberta ans Sonny's house was our house.
My first year out of nursing- I had to work Christmas Eve night. There they were when I woke up Christmas afternoon- to pick me up and tke me home for dinner- and then they drove me to work that night. When I bought my first car- I took it to my Uncle Sonny to check out.
Aunt Roberta made the dresses for my bridesmaids, Uncle Sonny gave the toast to the bride.
After I moved away- I did not see as much of Aunt Roberta and Uncle Sonny- but each time I came home they would travel to Grand River to visit. My children have gotten to know them- calling them Uncle Funny and Aunt Alberta. They delayed trips to Cape Breton until I could fly in so they could drive me home- especially when my Grandparents passed on- or there was another family emergency. They always had a bed in the house ( or trailer) for me when I came home, and a drive to the airport when I was leaving.
When my Mom or Dad were sick, Roberta was there holding not just Mom's hand- but my Dad's hand as well. Sonny would sit and be a friend. Most likely the best friend my Dad has ever had in all honestly.
You get it- they are a staple in our lives.
On Saturday I received a call from my Mom- telling me that Roberta had had a massive heart attack, and had passed away whiile vacationing with my cousin Sheri in New Brunswick. She was 66.
I can honestly say I am still in shock- and lost. This is someone I always took for granted would be there- and now she is not. My heart is broken. And yet she is "only an Aunt"
How do you define family? Roberta and Sonny Taylor are more than an Aunt and Uncle for me. They are to me, members of my immediate family- even if "law" does not define it.
I can not make it to the funeral- but my heart will be there. My heart is there. I miss you "Bo", and I promise that just because you are gone that Uncle Sonny will not be left in the wind- at least not by me. You are a package deal- and your half of the package will be missed more than you could have ever imagined. Rest in Peace.
The Link below is Aunt Roberta's obituary.
Bill and Wendy McRae, Jean and Wayne Urquhart, Bo and Sonny Taylor at my parents 40th Wedding anniversary- 2006
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