In this life we find ourselves confronting everyday issues that seem so complex, but in the end revelation awaits all of us. I believe we all go through some of the same types of situations and circumstances at one time or another. The differences in the outcomes depend on the choices we make during the ordeal.
In every family there is usually one person who steps out and takes a leadership role. As far back as I can remember, that person in our family was “Aunt Nita”, Mrs. Juanita H. Flennoy.
My Grandmother and Grandfather came to California from Hot Springs, Arkansas before I was born in the 1940s. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to meet my Grandfather because he passed on before I was born. As far as I know, my Grandmother had only 2 daughters, Juanita Howard and Bertha M. Howard. Juanita was the first to leave Arkansas and come to California. She later sent for her mother Mrs. Georgia Howard and later her sister Bertha.
From what I could piece together, Aunt Nita worked as a model and put herself through school and eventually received her degrees and teaching credentials and taught “exceptional children” in the Los Angeles Unified School District for more than 30 years. She was very active in the community with such organizations as the NAACP, The Los Angeles Urban League, and the Delta Sorority to name a few. She was very instrumental in teaching all of her Nephews and Niece proper etiquette and the proper way to behave in public along with other important things that would serve us well throughout our lives.
Even though she did not have children of her own, she poured out her love on myself, my siblings and everyone else in her orbit. As far as I can remember, she never missed a birthday or holiday to celebrate with the family members and everyone else she knew. She was a walking advertisement as far as demonstrating the doctrine of Jesus Christ in how we should treat each other with agape love.
We love you Aunt Nita and will be forever grateful that you were a part of our lives. I carry the values you instilled in me as a child to this very day and they have not failed me yet. I now teach them to my own 4 Great-Grandchildren and they are readily received.
You will always have a place in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have known you.
Now you take your well-deserved rest with the Lord and other family members who have preceded you through Heaven’s gate.
Save me a seat … (smile)
