Happy Valentine's Birthday Aunt Frances

She was born on Valentine’s Day. In 1906.

Aunt Frances was my mother’s 12 years older sister.

She was beloved by everyone who knew her, but I think I had a special relationship with her.

She grew up on a farm in Ben Arnold, Texas, the oldest of three.

Aunt Frances with my Mama, her little sister

She met Jesus when she was 14, graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor University, then taught school in Taylor, Texas.

She endured much pressure to get married—“There will only be crooked sticks left if you keep waiting.” But at 29 she married Lee Arrington, the “straightest stick in the forest.”

The next 10 years were exceptionally happy, as she helped at her husband’s Ben Franklin store in Freeport Texas and they made a great life together.

But then Lee had his appendix removed and a staph infection took his life. Frances grieved, talked often of what a wonderful man he was. But she decided she would seek all the adventure in life she could. She traveled the world. She played golf—until she was in her 80’s—and won tournaments. She went deer hunting every year well into her 70’s.

She took three pairs of cousins on wonderful trips: the older two and the younger two to California. Mary Gray and I—in the middle—got the big trip at age 12. It was a 6-week drive to the East Coast, to DC and New York and Niagara Falls and Montreal and back home. We saw every President’s home and battle site on our route.

That began my summers with Aunt Frances. I loved being with her for a week or two each summer—because she was fun and adventuresome. I also liked that she played golf at the country club several times a week, where I hung out at the pool and flirted with the cute life guards.

I loved going crabbing in Oyster Creek (salt water) or at Surfside Beach in Freeport. When we had enough crabs, we headed to the shrimp boats and bought about five pounds of shrimp right off the boat. Then we went home and had a feast!!

She often spent Christmas with our family in Dallas or at the family farm in Athens (TX). One summer after my sisters and I were married and had children, we took all of the kids down to visit her. Fun at the beach and the pool.

Her golfing friends called her Big Mama—that was on her license plate.

And so much more.

Taken on our trip to visit her—a bunch of grand nieces and nephews

When she died at age 87, we all made our way to Freeport. It was sweet to see some old friends. After a service in her church, I had the privilege to conduct the graveside service. I shared the story she told me about meeting Jesus at 14.

So many special memories.

So why do I share Aunt Frances with you?

To invite you to celebrate her 116th birthday with me on February 14. And to encourage you to remember the people who have been important in your life.

What about you? Who can you celebrate?

C2022 Judy Douglass