Remembering AuntieBellum

February 2010

I remember meeting Susan for the first time and seeing her walk hand in hand with my Uncle in Manhattan.  It looked like a good thing to do.

I remember visiting Susan upstate a few years ago.  She was eager to hear of my recent Israel adventures and somehow Tom Sawyered me in to helping her garden.  I always hated yard work as a child but it was enjoyable with AuntieBellum.  The funny hat and gloves may have helped.

I remember AuntieBellum leading me on her New York power walk.  I had to struggle to keep up!

I remember AuntieBellum taking me to MoMA, FDR’s home, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and elsewhere.  When she visited me on a solo expedition to California, I returned the favor taking her to the beach, NASA, and a Stanford museum.  I’m grateful we shared a variety of interests.

I remember AuntieBellum was given 6 months to live just over two years ago.  She wasn’t ready to leave so we got a bonus round of two years of visits and calls.

When I visited her in November, I was concerned that my typical high energy assault would be too much for her as I’ve found that even people much younger than I am struggle to maintain pace with me.  I realized that my fears were unfounded.  AuntieBellum was bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and eager to view pictures and hear of my latest adventures.  We even went for a walk… in the rain!  Occasionally, she became frustrated as she struggled to retrieve a memory of something to share with me, and blamed gremlins for scrambling her brain.  From my perspective, I didn’t see memory lapses happening more with her than with anyone else, although I was aware of the new challenges on her plate.

As I bid farewell to you for the last time, AuntieBellum, I want to tell you that I remember you remembering, and  I’ll remember you.

for playing.

©Adam Brody  All rights reserved.

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American Ballet Theatre in memory of Aunt Susan.