I want to spend my Christmas holiday with my aunt Mary.

My mom would tell incredible stories about her when we were kids. Aunt Mary lives and work in New York City.

My mom’s stories were fascinating, evoking glamour, sophistication and energy.

I wanted to be exactly like Aunt Mary when I grew up, she seemed so vibrant.

We had an old photo of her in platform shoes and bell-bottoms at the entrance of Tompkins Square Park.

I hope I’m like Aunt Mary to Edith’s girls; she was such an inspiration to me in a way she probably never realizes.

We didn’t meet until about six years ago; I was all grown up – having visited New York a couple of times (although I never looked her up).

She was a much older woman when I met her, not at all like I’d imagined all those years.

Last year when I was in Manhattan for just a day – I remembered to call her and even though we couldn’t have lunch, we met at her offices on Liberty Street.

I wanted to tell her about how much stories of her had influenced my life, but I was a little embarrassed.

She talk for a while; stories about her and my mom when they were younger, about how my mom played matchmaker for her and her husband. She made me see my mom in a different light – like perhaps she was once like me.

I promised I’d be back the next year, this time I’ll stay longer and with her. We’ll go shopping at Macy’s on 34th Street – just like Mama said she used to.

Maybe it’ll be just like I imagined.

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