My sister Maryellen reminded me of a story that involved our dead Aunt Maizie's sister, little Aunt Betty who lived to be almost 100 years old, all four foot nine of her. She was a feisty thing. As a child, I thought she was hilarious. For instance, in the middle of a family get-together she'd stand up and start doing the Charleston. I imagine that's when I fell in love with that dance. I remember when Erin first brought her future husband Doug home to meet me, I recall doing the Charleston out on the front porch while I was waving bye to them. But I digress.
Here's the story.
My brother Wayne and his wife Christine got married back in the 70's. Of course, little Aunt Betty was a guest. Well, she danced up a storm, doing the Charleston like she was twenty years old. I even think I saw her attempting the "frug" and the "swim". She was well into her nineties by then.
So, needless to say, she got the vapors and fainted to the floor. People were dancing all around her, she was so small that it took a few seconds before anyone noticed what happened. Then pandemonium broke loose. Everyone was shouting out ways to help her. Finally, someone yelled, "she needs water".
Well, that's all my sister Patty had to hear. She grabbed a glass of water off of a nearby table and rushed to little Aunt Betty's side. Patty to the rescue !!! They made little Aunt Betty take a swig of the water and lo and behold her eyelids fluttered and opened. And out of her wee little mouth, she exclaimed in strong disgust, "yuck,this is straight vodka". Yep, Patty to the rescue.
Little Aunt Betty went on to live for a few more years. God bless her little dancing soul.
Unfortunately, I can't find a picture of Aunt Betty, but I do have some from the wedding.
The first is one of my brother Wayne and my Mom. No, my Mother is not short - Wayne is a strapping six foot six inches tall.
The next photo is at the wedding ceremony. My Mom is wearing a groovy, almost psychedelic dress. Go Mom, you're way cool !!!
P.S. This post is dedicated to my little brother Wayne, who just celebrated his birthday on July 5th.Happy Birthday, bro.
* Guess what, I found a picture of little Aunt Betty at my brother Wayne's wedding. She is standing with my PopPop, her nephew. Of course, she is the short lady in the front. She was almost as short as the ring bearer.
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