This is the final post of an occasional series from my dear Aunt Doris, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 94.
Aunt Doris (circa the good ol’ days)
Are you one of those people who never win? That’s me!
It didn’t start out that way, though. When I was 12, like all British kids, I entered the National Scholarship and, to my amazement, actually won! (I wasn’t the only one who felt that way — my teachers were amazed too.) Winning that scholarship enabled me to go to a private girls’ school.
However, since then I’ve been on an 81-year losing streak. Zilch. Nada. Nothing.
Oh, I’ve come close a few times. If I was a race horse my nickname would be “Almost But Not Quite.”
For example, I once sat next to a lucky lady who won a secret prize certificate that was taped under her chair.
And I’ve never had any luck at bingo either. I don’t know how many times I’d be one square away from winning, only to hear another player yell “Bingo!” from across the room.
As my mum would say, “It’s enough to make a saint swear!”
Still, I guess I haven’t done too bad in the “lottery of life.”
True, I became a widow at a young age, but I have a great son, and a wonderful daughter-in-law; they take great care of me. I also have the two best grandsons in the world and now a great granddaughter-in-law who has great parents. I have Len’s family too — I don’t know what I would do without them. And I can’t forget my caring neighbors who regularly check on me to see if I need anything.
I appreciate all of you who send comments to me here on Len’s blog too. I feel like I have a new bunch of friends! I particularly loved the reply from commenter Jack who, after reading my story about Britain’s two-fingered salute, told me that the next time he was in England he was going to be extra careful when asking for two orders of fish and chips!
So I guess I shouldn’t care that I don’t win contests! (Although I did have a little tinge of envy when I read the story about the 84-year-old widow who won that $590 million Powerball jackpot.)
Still, I wouldn’t change what I have.
Technically, I only won once in life. But it’s sure taken me far.
See, that scholarship I won enabled me to get a job as a civil servant, working at a bank — and that’s where I met my American husband one day during my lunch hour, which led to the rest of my wonderful life.
So always remember to count your blessings — not your “don’t haves.”
Love you all,
Aunt Doris
A great tale reminding us that it isn’t what happens in life but what you do with it that matters….
I just LOVE you, Aunt Doris! A great storyteller, sense of humor and add a dash of wisdom. It must run in the family!
Maybe I should run a contest with a fabulous prize and allow only one entry…yours. Then you can say that your losing streak has been broken! Although, it sounds like you are a winner after all.
Can’t wait to hear more from you 🙂
Aunt Doris, talk to us more about how you paid for groceries — what were good frugal meals you relied on, what meats/veggies/etc. you regularly bought. Did you have a garden? Raise chickens?
We could use the advice.
My comment on the Aunt Doris’ story “I met my American husband” (URL, supra), applies here, too.
Aunt Doris was wise beyond her years and we are fortunate that she has shared that wisdom with us. Great thoughts to ponder upon. I have to remind myself that instead of lamenting what I may not be able to do, focus on the things that I can do. And as always, be grateful for what I have.