I have such fond memories of my sweet Aunt Joy! From a very early age, I remember Aunt Joy and Uncle Bill driving up to our home in their station wagon or camper and being thrilled to see them and my cousins. Aunt Joy was always kind and loving toward me. My mom, Edna, loved to hang out with Joy. When their family lived in Tucson when we did, many days were spent at each other's homes so that Mom and Joy could can food. We kids would play all day while they canned. I remember hearing them laugh together. ~One year, their family came to California for Christmas, and we went to Disneyland. What fun that was!! ~We had many a family reunion in Lubbock, at my grandparents' home. I could always count on a sweet smile and hug from Aunt Joy. There was such a gentle spirit of love I felt from her. ~ I remember watching Aunt Joy wrap a loaf of bread by twisting the plastic outer wrapper, then covering the bread with it. I had never seen that method before, only twist ties, but I think of her now every time I do that with my bread. Kind of a silly memory, but it left an impression on me from around age 9 or 10. I also remember her making Mexican cornbread, with corn and jalapeño in it. I had never had it before, so it made a memory for me. ~It is thanks to Aunt Joy that my Mom started doing income taxes, which grew into a family business, and my husband, Brett, now owns it.
Thank you, Aunt Joy for living up to your name and bringing so much joy into my life. You always showed me love and such kindness. We didn't see each other often in the later years, but we did get to have a few visits over the past few years, so I am very grateful for that. You are a blessing to my life and I will love and miss you forever.