“Aunt Shell”

Not many little brothers have ever been known for saying their big sisters are the strongest person they know, but in my case it’s true. My sister Michele, who is 47 years old, has been living with Multiple Sclerosis since 1988.  At times, her MS tries to get the better of her and she suffers periods of debilitating fatigue and pain, but you would never know, given the smile and cheery voice she shares with others around her, including fellow members of her church (where she is an active member, having served as a deacon and helping to teach vacation bible school). She has also given her precious time to numerous charities over the years, volunteering for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and our local community theatre, among other non-profits.  Her joyous personality (which always makes others around her happier), in the face of dealing with her symptoms is a clear indication of her incredible strength.

But, as if watching her handle her MS with such amazing strength wasn’t enough to inspire others, seeing her be the strongest aunt in the world to my three children will most definitely do the trick. “Aunt Shell” as my three children Andrew, Meredith and Matthew call her, quite simply demonstrates super hero skills on a daily basis. Kids cooking classes, community holiday parties, movie outings, special dinners and sleepovers – you name it and Aunt Shell does it all. In fact, quite often when I see a preview for what looks like a fun, family movie, and ask the kids if they would like to go see the film, my children will say, “Sorry Dad, Aunt Shell is already taking us!”.  To say Aunt Shell is able to demonstrate superhuman strength, powered by her love for her nephews and niece would be the understatement of the year!

Despite many days when she might not be feeling her best or even when she is feeling downright lousy, my children would never know. Aunt Shell is always there for them with that same strong, loving smile and warm hugs she gives the moment she sees them, and they love every bit of her affections and attention.  If I ever had any doubt about just how strong Aunt Shell is in the eyes of my three children, it came home to me one particular day when my Dad commented that Michele seemed a bit more tired than usual.  Because of her fatigue and occasional difficulty in walking, Michele will sometimes use a cane to assist her in getting around.  But, when my youngest son Matthew, who was six at the time, heard his grandfather say Aunt Shell wasn’t doing well that day, his response was to ask, “Wait, there’s something wrong with Aunt Shell?” Then he added, “There’s nothing wrong with Aunt Shell!”.  Despite the challenges of her MS, in the eyes of her six year old nephew, there was absolutely nothing wrong with his Aunt Shell.

Seeing her incredible strength, her commitment to her community and love for my children in the face of daily challenges would overwhelm many of us.  I have to say, I couldn’t agree more.