All of my memories of Aunt Delores were fond, well, except maybe for the time she locked her son, my cousin, Tommy and I out of the house for the entire night because we weren't back at the EXACT curfew time...LOL! She did, however, put blankets and pillows on the porch for us. That was Aunt Delores, tough, but always fair. Another story I will never forget is the one she told me about how she broke her then very young son Greg of the habit of wanting to strike matches. Once again, tough, but fair. I'm sure Greg remembers the story very well! Sorry, Greg, just had to say... Aunt Delores would always buy me some school clothes when I came to visit with her in the summertime. I remember one time when I pitched a fit for a leather skirt that was very expensive. She said absolutely no, but then gave me the option of ONLY that skirt and nothing else, or I could have several other things instead. Quite another example of her tough but more than fair love. I can't close without mentioning Willie Martin just to touch on Greg's statement that his mother could make friends with anyone. Aunt Delores was the love of "Old Willie's" life. Willie was a homeless person who did odd jobs around our neighborhood, and when Aunt Delores visited, she, of course, was best friends with Willie. Willie would make sure he bought her candy bars whenever he knew she was coming to visit. Aunt Delores would tease Willie and Willie would tease her back. What a special person my Aunt Delores will always be in my heart and mind. I will love her always.
