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Maxine's Story
Aunt Kate
Troubled family relationships----long before I ever heard those words I knew what it was to experience them. Oh, not on the Sabin side---that large happy family all loved one another and seemed to enjoy their frequent gatherings! It was the 'Johns' side of my family that held all the hostility. There were so few of them---my own immediate family, my Grandpa and Grandma, (Dad's parents), a distant cousin or two, and Grandpa's sister, Katherine Johnson---my beloved Aunt Kate.
Since she lived in the same small town as the rest of us, Paul, Idaho, she became the target of most of their angst and criticism---or so it appeared to me. Actually it seemed like being angry at her was the only thing the rest of them agreed on.
It was never clear to me why she chose to live so far from her two sons, and grandchildren. I never met any of them. She had been married, twice, and both husbands having died, now lived alone. The old Paul Hotel was evidently a forerunner of apartment buildings, and that became her home. At least I believe she lived alone. There was a great deal of talk about her gentlemen friends---and I'm sure she had them.
She was so attractive! Oh, not a traditional beauty, but she made the most of her assets! She wore powder! And maybe even a little rouge---She fussed with her hair, which was short and curly---wore beautiful clothes and even jewelry, and she smelled so good!
But it was her manner that I remember most fondly. She had such class---carried herself like a queen! Even held out her little finger when picking up a cup. She spoke with a distinctive style, and in a gentle voice that I can hear in my mind even now.
The best part was that she was my friend! She talked with me and would giggle with me over any little thing---I spent little time with her really, since we moved from Paul before I started school. It was only on vacation that I would get to know her better. All the critical comments that abounded in my family didn't deter me one bit. I loved her openly and happily, and I shared every moment I could with her. She was such fun!
Vain? I suppose she was. She wouldn't be called Grandma, even by her own Grandchildren! She was Aunt Kate to all of us. She never disclosed her age either! Unrealistic? Probably---In the 1930's there was plenty to be negative about---but she never was. Even I knew what "she doesn't have a pot to pee in" meant, and my family all agreed on that! But I admired her for not acting poor!
Her lightheartedness was contagious, at least to me! She was a bright shining light in that world of dowdy stolid people---keeping whatever heartaches she might have had, to herself. Surely she "put on airs"! If happiness was a sin then I suppose she was guilty. I know she brought happiness to me---and throughout my life has been a positive example. She made the best out of circumstances that could have depressed and disheartened.
An unlikely hero, my Aunt Kate---but in a family of troubled relationships, ours, mine and hers, was healthy and happy and I trust, everlasting.
Pages 60 - 62
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