Over the years of jabbering on about house stuff I occasionally get questions about my family. How many siblings I have, how I grew up, etc. I always say it was a somewhat un-traditional childhood… in the best possible way. I was raised by my mom and dad, who split up when I was very young (a few years after my younger brother Daniel was born) so we just had two houses and bounced happily between them.
I remember when a kid at school once teased me for having divorced parents and I put the “I have two houses and you only have one and I get double the holiday presents” spin on it. Looking back, it was a moment of pure genius. Haha. No more teasing.
I also grew up with my half brother Adam, who was born after my dad married my step mom Nina a while later (he was 11 years younger than me). You might remember him from his cameo in the most embarrassing moment ever caught on film when I was 17.
But I always say I’m the oldest of five – and the only girl. So where do the other two fit in? Well, my Aunt Kay Kay (as we lovingly call my mom’s sister) and her two sons named David and Darius actually moved in with us when my brother and I were very young (my brother was 3 and I was 6). My mom is one of seven children, and while many of my aunts and uncles lived closer, Aunt Kay Kay and her kids used to live in Maryland, so we didn’t get to see our cousins very often, who were 2 and 4 at the time when they moved in… which was just one of about a million reasons we were SO excited for them to move in with us.
My aunt had been diagnosed with a craptastic disease called Multiple Sclerosis, so raising all four of us under one roof with my mom was a way that my mom could lend a hand to my aunt and also a way that my aunt could help us. My mom’s an attorney, and back in those days she was working her buns off to make partner at her firm, so she often got home late. So it was great to come home to my aunt after school, and on most nights she cooked us dinner and helped us with our homework. It was kind of a crazy house with four kids so close in age (four kids born within five years), but growing up with them honestly made me who I am today. Here’s my Aunt Kay Kay with me and my cousin David in the pool when we were little. Isn’t she beautiful?
My aunt was always laughing. She was “the nice one” while I, being the oldest of all the boys, proudly wore my title as “the bossy one.” My brother was “the smart one,” my cousin Darius was “the funny one,” my cousin David was “the crazy one,” and my mom was “the strict one.” So you can guess that when it came down to asking an adult if we could do something… well, we’d usually ask my aunt before my mom.
It was an odd little madhouse, but it was our madhouse and we loved it. So when people ask me how many siblings I have, I usually just say that I’m the oldest of five, and the only girl. But for those who have time for more details, I explain that my total includes one brother, one half brother, and two cousins who grew up under one roof with us like they were our brothers. We had all sorts of adventures over the years – from building forts in the woods to epic sock fights (don’t ask) and karate tournaments in New York City (that’s Darius on the left, me next to him, Daniel second from the right, and David on the right). We kicked some booty that day.
My aunt battled with her multiple sclerosis like a champ. Always smiling and making jokes. Always working hard to stay mobile. First she walked with a cane, then a walker, then a wheelchair, and for the last ten years or so she has been bedridden. Didn’t stop her from smiling (most notably when we stuck Burger or Clara in her bed – that always made her giggle). Strongest, bravest and sweetest woman I know.
Yesterday she passed away. It was a very very sad day. So although this might sound like a bummer of a post, I wrote it because I always wanted to remember how amazing and life-changing it was to grow up with such an awesome lady in my life. And I want Clara to be able to read about her Great Aunt Kay Kay someday. She could light up a room then, and thinking about her now brings a smile to my face. Just picturing us all gathered around the breakfast table fills me with nostalgia.
We’ll be back this afternoon with some regular DIY-related fare. In the meantime, feel free to tell/call/text/email/skype the ones you love. Family is such a blessing. And I’m so thankful for the one I got.
erica says
so sorry for the loss of your Aunt. She sounded like an amazing woman and a blessing to your life. Praying for you and your family!
Laura says
Oh Sherry, I am so sorry. Your aunt sounds like an absolutely lovely woman, both inside and out. I’m sure she was quite proud of you, too. Thinking of you and your family.
Lauren@FilingJointly says
What a touching tribute.
I am so very sorry for your loss. It sounds like your aunt was beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susanna says
Sherry I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have a truly beautiful family. Thank you for reminding us that families can come in all shapes and sizes and that they are a blessing.
Nicole @ Post Grad says
Sherry, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. She sounds like a truly amazing woman. Thank you for sharing your (and her) life with us.
Julie says
P.S. Let’s show Sherry that we care more about her than we do about YHL’s website giveaways — let’s see if we can leave even more comments than we do for giveaway posts! Love bombing starts . . . NOW!
renee says
You are awesome Julie!
Sherry – there are no words, God bless your family.
xox
renee in minneapolis
Jamie D says
Agreed! We love you Sherry and your awesome family. Stories like this are what make us care about the DIY adventures even more, as we feel like we are a part of your family.
Sandy says
I’m so sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories of your dear aunt comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
Tiffany says
Thanks for sharing, Sherry! What a wonderful tribute to your Aunt Kay Kay. Please take care of yourself and all of your brothers during this difficult time.
<3
Rachel says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sherry. Your auntie seemed like a lovely lady and she looked so much like your mom, just like my mom and auntie. I’ll be thinking about you and your fam.
Jessica says
So sorry for your loss….thinking of you and your beautiful family today…
April says
So very sorry for your loss Sherry. Sounds like an amazing lady. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Alex says
What a beautiful post. My thoughts are with you and your family.
rachel says
a beautiful tribute for a beautiful woman- i’m sorry that she isn’t with you any longer, and i’ll pray for your family to have comfort as you celebrate her life & mourn her passing.
Rachel C says
Such a beautiful post. I am sorry for your lost and am thinking about you and your family.
Beth says
I’m so very very sorry about your aunt. She sounds like a wonderful lovely person.
erin says
Sherry,
i am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your aunt was one amazing woman and you were so lucky to have had her as such a huge part of your life.
Hugs to you and your family at this time.
Meaghan @ lovelee honeybee says
It was really nice to read about your family and your amazing aunt Kay Kay. I’m sorry for your loss and am happy that you had someone like that in your life.
Jenn says
So sorry for you and your family’s loss Sherry, may Aunt Kay Kay rest in peace!
Megan says
So sorry for your loss, Sherry. Thinking of you and your family…
Becka says
Sherry, this is such a moving gesture to the memory of your aunt, thank you for sharing something so personal and close to your heart. I’m sorry for your loss.
Amy says
So sorry for your loss….Your Aunt sounds like a wonderful person and was beautiful! xoxox
Crystal @ 29 Rue House says
So sorry for your and your family’s loss Sherry. She was a beautiful lady.
Jessica D says
Beautiful post, so sorry for your loss. Thanks for reminding us that family is precious, no matter what form it’s in – keeping you and yours in my thoughts today.
Katie says
What a wonderful woman your aunt was, as evidenced not just by this post but by the creative and loving life she raised you to live. I am sad for your loss and happy for the joy she brought you.
Rachel says
What a beautiful post. Your aunt sounds like such a wonderful person. My thoughts are with you at such a difficult time.
Lindsay says
Wow Sherry. This gave me the chills. I always wondered about your family (since we seem to see John’s family pics a lot). This is a great story and I’m sure she is quite proud of you and glad for the moments she got to spend with you.
Sheela says
I’m so sorry Sherry. Your aunt sounds like an absolute light in your life. May she rest in peace, and I hope that you and your loved ones find comfort in your wonderful memories of her.
Michelle says
Sherry this had me in tears. It sounds like you were incredibly lucky to have her in your life. Hugs to you and yours.
Vonda says
Beautiful post, coming from one who also looked at divorce as ‘2 houses and 2 Christmases’!
So sorry for your loss. She sounds like a pretty spectacular lady. Thoughts and prayers to you.
Lauren says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sherry. Thank you for sharing!
Jamie says
So sorry for your loss, Sherry. Praying for you and your family.
Emma says
May she rest in peace
Ash says
My thoughts of healing and comfort go out to you and your family, Sherry and I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope that you can all come together to mourn the loss of this bright star, and celebrate the wonderful shining presence she will always have in your life.
April says
Sherry, what a wonderful tribute to your aunt’s life! Your family is in my prayers.
Claudia says
Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss, she sounds like such a delightful person, and what a gift to have had her so close for so long. Will be thinking of you.
Lynn van Slyke says
Oh Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your life with us. ((hugs and prayers))
Lindsey says
What a beautiful post. I’m so sorry for your loss, Sherry.
I have MS and feel incredibly lucky to have been diagnosed in this era when there are so many options for treatment. As I’m sure you know, 20 years ago they just didn’t have the options they do now – but sounds like Kay Kay dealt with it in the best way possible: with humor and strength.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, medicine has gotten so great and is only getting better. That is definitely a comfort for sure. So glad you’re doing well!!
xo,
s
SherriMc says
MS is truly a terrible disease. Aunt Kay Kay sounds like she bore it with humor and grace. Please accept my condolences for the loss of such a beloved lady.
Karen C. says
Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss. Your post was a wonderful tribute to what your Aunt meant to you and your family. And what a wonderful legacy she leaves with you, one that you can continue to share with John and Clara. xoxo
Katherine says
Sherry,
What a hard time this is for you family. Your post was lovely I can feel the love from the other side of the computer screen. I’m thinking of your sweet family today and pray God shows you peace and comfort during this time.
Ann L. says
So sorry for the loss of someone who sounds like an absolutely beautiful woman, Sherry. Thinking of you and your family in this difficult time.
Jen says
What a beautiful tribute. What a blessing family is :) Lifting you and your family up today. Thank you for sharing a part of yourself.
Rebecca says
So sorry to hear Sherry! Will keep you and your family in my thoughts!
I love that you wanted this post to be about family and for Clara to remember your Aunt. My family on my Dad’s side is very large and half the time I don’t know how someone is realted to me. I tend to call those who are older my Aunt/Uncle and those my age or younger cousins when talking to others about them. I even have a “sister” who is in no way related to me. Wish I could hug someone from my “family” right now!
Meghan, UK says
Big, huge, heartfelt hugs coming at you and the whole family from over here. I hope you all get to celebrate someone who was so clearly such a happy influence in your lives. [::] (hugs)
Hannah Gruver-Green says
Oh Sherry, I am so sorry. I lost my Aunt 10 years ago to a stroke it was so fast and shocking. I lost my mom 6 months ago after a nearly 7 year battle with breast cancer, it was slow, horrific, painful and yet truly beautiful at times. In the end I was praying for go so that she and our family could be out of the pain and have peace. My mother told me that is such a divine blessing to have the privlage of being taken care of by loved ones and when you are dying you share love and receive love in such an open way that you never would have before. I hope you had moments of beautiful love. I also hope you take some time off and enjoy littlemoments with family over the next week. Much love and hang in there, Hannah
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Hannah, I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re right about how much love flies around in such an open way when someone is chronically ill. It was a hard time, but we soaked up every moment with her.
xo,
s
Lindsey says
I have quite the blended family also. One of my step sisters was diagnosed with MS a couple years ago and this year her twin sister was also diagnosed with MS. It is a tough thing to go through…
I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing. Family truly is a blessing!
Chelsea says
Sherry, terribly sorry to hear of your aunt’s passing. Just know that she’s now walking & running around with the angels, like she used to chase you 5 around. She sounds like an incredible role model and woman. :) Prayers go out to your family during this difficult time!
Kirsty {a safe mooring} says
I’m so sorry, Sherry. Your aunt sounds like a wonderful person and very lucky to have such a loving family around her. Thinking of you and your family today.
Heather says
Lovely post Sherry. So sorry to hear about your aunt. Just remember she’ll always be with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
andrea @ my kinda perfect says
what a beautiful way to honor such an important (and clearly awesome) lady in your life. you and your family are in my thoughts at this sad time. how lucky we are to be so touched by our loved ones and to have unique experiences from everyone else.