Queen Helen

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 44: Today, I am grateful for Queen Helen.                                                              

She is our "Queen of Hearts" for all who call her "Aunt Helen." 

Mama's little sister, Helen, was just a toddler when she contracted spinal meningitis in the 1950's. Fevered. Her back arched so much that her feet touched her head in the "seal" position. It was a scary time for their family. Aunt Helen was child number five. Uncle Bob and Aunt Kathy came right behind her.  Mama rarely spoke of the actual illness, but she often spoke of my Grandma Opal Maxine's stubborn courage in the face of great adversity. 

The disease caused mental limitations. She learned to walk and talk for the second time with her younger siblings. She learned her letters and numbers, but has limited reading and very few math skills. It did not impact her ability to have fun, love deeply, and enjoy life. 

Aunt Helen was one of our favorite playmates as children. She was a "grown up" who never grew up. Uncle Bob and Aunt Kathy were fun, too, but they got busy with teenage friends and dating. Not Aunt Helen. Aunt Helen always wanted to play games with us, especially if we let her choose the game. We learned quickly that she liked to win. We did not care. My siblings and cousins adored her.  

She was smart enough to con us into cleaning her room. We danced to Connie Francis and Nancy Sinatra on her record player. We sang and dressed up in things the sisters had left behind. We crafted. We did what she wanted us to do. Our playing with Aunt Helen gave our grandparents and parents some peace. 

Aunt Helen is now in her 70's. She is still charming. I believe she was one of the first clients/workers at the Kankakee Valley Training Center when it opened. She was in high school when she first attended. She is still there. When asked when she might retire, Aunt Helen replied, "Why would I do that? What would I do?" She has a work ethic! 

Last weekend the Training Center had a "Prom." They called to let my Cousin Dawn know that Aunt Helen had been chosen as the Prom Queen. Dawn was so excited she couldn't sleep either. She shared pictures with the family. Aunt Helen was over the moon. We are all so happy for her. 

Aunt Helen is beloved. 

"My beloved is mine and I am his;" -Song of Songs 2:16

She is beloved. By God and by all of us. 

Today, I am grateful for Queen Helen.