Here's Where the Story Ends

My Great-Aunt Gloria was what one would call "a character." She had a very dry sense of humor, a contagious laugh and hair that would make Witch Hazel proud.

About six years ago my mother and I were at a family gathering at Aunt Gloria's. A nephew of hers who lives in California and just married his sixth wife (yes, that was SIXTH) was at the gathering. His new wife walked past me, Jo-Ann and Aunt Gloria. Gloria turned to us and said, "Do I have a story to tell you about that one, but not here."

A few months later Aunt Gloria was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I saw her once after the diagnosis. Her laugh was gone. Her white lady Afro had succumbed to chemotherapy. Instead of sharing gossip and one-liners, I begged her to eat more toast so there was something in her stomach so her pills wouldn't make her sick.

Pancreatic cancer is fast and furious and Aunt Gloria died within a month of her diagnosis.

Not long after her funeral my mother and I remembered that Aunt Gloria had a story to tell us about Wife #6. We didn't even bother to speculate for the best part about hearing Aunt Gloria's stories was the Aunt Gloria way of spinning a tale.

Some people told me that I talk a lot. It's true; I do. But I guess I talk because I don't want to keep any tales untold. If I am upset you'll know why. If I love you I am not afraid to say so. And if I ever have an interesting story about someones sixth wife, I'll take you aside there and then and craft a tale that would make Aunt Gloria proud.

My title is Here's Where the Story Ends by The Sundays. This song is special to me because it reminds me of my oldest and dearest pal, Diane. I cannot hear it without thinking of her. (Much love, Diane.)