A perfect 100 for Aunt Bea

I received the sad news this morning that my great Aunt Bea died. She lived a wonderful life and was a truly amazing, loving, kind, beautiful woman and I should be happy that she was blessed with such a great life and a long time on this earth. She was 100 years old.

My grandfather had three brothers and three sisters. Though Aunt Bea lived in Greenville since she married her husband in 1932 (he died before I was even born), I was fortunate that I was able to see her many times over the years. One of my grandfather’s sisters lived next door to us for 10 years, so we knew her well…I didn’t know his other sister well. As for his brothers, one died at the age of 21 (I think) and the other two lived in my hometown for much of my childhood so I saw them more frequently. They were all tremendous characters and great people, all in their own unique ways. Aunt Bea was just one of those people who just radiated love through her smile and her eyes. She was such a kind soul. I loved talking to her and learning about her childhood. She and my grandfather and their siblings had quite an interesting life. Now that I’m older, I wish I had been more interested in hearing their stories when they were able to tell them to me.

In November 2009, I saw Aunt Bea for what became the last time. I introduced her to my boys and enjoyed a delightful lunch with her and her daughter-in-law (and my parents).

Looking at that picture makes me smile. There’s Aunt Bea, holding my son’s hand and looking lovingly at him in the way only she could do. It’s so great to see four generations of my Dad’s side of the family; and Aunt Bea as the last living sibling of my grandfather’s family. Of all of the other siblings, my grandfather lived second longest and died in 1998. I can't imagine what that must have been like for her, having so many of her relatives leave this world before it was her time. But I am sure she valued the time on earth she had to spend with her large (more) immediate family.

I bet Aunt Bea left her mark wherever she went. I know she did with me. I know that Furman University is what it is today much because of her and her husband. And I am thankful that I knew her and that I can claim her as my family.

Sullivan’s with the Hamilton clan

Whew!  What a busy Saturday it has been!  We started of the day celebrating Sarah Ellen’s 3rd birthday with our dear friends over bagels.  The children all loved having a special morning with their friends.  We came home and Trey and I worked for a little while on the swing set we purchased a couple weeks ago.  Then it was time for lunch and heading out to Sullivan’s to spend the afternoon with Trey’s extended family.  We had a lovely time!

As we arrived at the house on Station 9 there were MANY cars in the yard.  It was clear that a fun time was being had by all and we were happy to join in.  The boys were super excited for more water time.  The tide was high and they didn’t spend too much time in the water before they decided it was time for playing in the sand.  That was plenty of fun too. 

Thomas supervised as cousin Milton dug a hole and then he decided he wanted him to bury him in it.

Parker liked the idea…

Parker had to make sure there was JUST enough sand…

Finally, a picture of sweet Georgia’s face (Raymond & Charlotte’s precious two-year old)…

Perfect!  All buried.  Bye Thomas!  :-)

The bigger younger set had a great time out in the water while we played in the sand.  Such a great spot with Fort Sumter and Morris Island in the distance.

Parker decided he wanted to be buried too…

Thanks Milton for entertaining my boys!

Speaking of entertaining Miltons…big Milton did his part…pretending to be a monster and chasing the boys.  They loved it.

Believe it or not, this is Parker’s “Smile for the camera” face.  We obviously need to work on it.  Even so, a rare picture with me!

A quick glance at Fort Sumter across the harbor…

Thomas is a little better at smiling for the camera (though I was tickling him to help it a bit!).

We knew the Carnival cruise ship would be leaving in the afternoon and we waited to leave until it passed us by.  It came pretty close!

Many thanks to Peggy, Milton and the rest of the Hamilton and McM. family for inviting us out to share the day.  We had a great time, as usual!  I’m sure the boys will sleep well tonight.