Aunt Rosa is a very influential person. She is a school teacher, from college to the present time. She has always been one of the outspoken ones, encouraging family members' participation at dinners and giving each person an opportunity to talk about themselves. Knowing we were going to see Aunt Rosa and that we could look forward to sharing and hearing about other family members' lives soon became a staple at each dinner or family gathering.
As we grew older and began entering high school, our parents were kind of unnerved by it all. They weren't sure what was to be expected from or for us, as far as school activities, which ones were beneficial for us to participate in, on what level, or the social activities that abounded
When I think about it, Aunt Rosa was there, spreading goodwill, observations, and points of view, from my childhood to adulthood; she never stopped speaking on our behalf. Of course, our dinners have dwindled to not so many; everybody is grown or moved away. Children today: I am hopeful they have a family teacher in their midst; I think they do. My niece Marilyn is also a teacher.
Today, publicly, on this platform, I thank my Aunt Rosa for the contributions she has made in my life. And to teachers, you are special people; you mold our children, encourage, and support them. Teachers do this at work and at home. Thank you, Aunt Rosa!
Deborah "Nanilima " Howell
Its Hawaiian