At a recent meeting of our writers’ group, we were asked to write for ten minutes on one of several subjects. I chose to respond to the topic of describing a favorite aunt. Following the allotted ten minutes, we read what we had written. Here is my offering:
Let me preface my oral presentation by announcing that I am from Indiana. Therefore, as I read my essay, I will pronounce the word “aunt” as “ant.” I realize that an “ant” is a nasty little pest that demands the services of an exterminator and is not my father’s or my mother’s sister. I ask for your indulgence as I tell you about my favorite “aunt.”
She has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. She frequently appeared at breakfasts, and even now, I can visualize her broad smile on that beautiful, brown, round face. She was syrupy sweet and always added much to that first meal of the day.
I still see her from time to time at Publix Grocery or at a Wal-Mart, and she never seems to change or grow older. She still wears that red bandana wrapped stylishly about her head.
I suspect that my aunt is a favorite of others of you as well. If you see her some morning, tell her that I still love her, but my current eating regimen demands that I forsake her company, at least for now.
My Aunt Jemima, your Aunt Jemima, everyone’s Aunt Jemima is my favorite aunt. And by the way, if you see Uncle Ben, tell him I said, “Hello.”