November 22nd is Donna's b-day. And if I don't hustle, this will get published on her actual b-day and not the day before!!
Family legend has it that I chose her name. I do have a distinct memory of Dad coming home from the hospital and saying, "Well, what shall we name the new baby?" And my best friend Marguerite had a sister named Donna Jean, who I thought was the ultimate in coolness and sophistication, so I said, "Donna Jean." Dad said, "Well, that's a pretty good name. I'll ask your mother." (Although he probably said "I'll ask Mumma" because he always said that.)
I remember lots of things about Donna's birth. The washer and dryer weren't working, and Joan and I made regular trips to the laundromat. It was winter time - of course, it's November. But it was cold November, not one of these warm Novembers.
I don't remember what happened with Thanksgiving - Mom was probably still in the hospital. Women used to stay 14 days, but by the time Donna was born, it was more like a week. But the 22nd would have caused her stay to run into the holiday.
More than likely Dad cooked a great meal for us - he was a pretty good cook.
These photos are pretty random - Donna with Carmella, Donna in a swimsuit at Gavins' (and that's Alice with her), Donna celebrating a couple or three birthdays, Donna helping Harry celebrate his 8th, Donna in family shots.
Donna had the dubious distinction of sharing her day of naisance with the anniversary of Kennedy's assassination. Nowadays however, no one seems to remember the historical significance of November 22nd.
So this is my little retrospective on Aunt Donna - my kids favorite aunt. Donna has tended them, taken them to the movies, accompanied one of them to a Howard Jones Concert, and tended our grandkids on a pretty regular basis.
Donna is always up for an adventure. I was a teen when she was born, so I missed a lot of her growing up - but it's been great to get to know her as a sister over the years - especially after we moved back to California.
She's a great sister, a great daughter, a great aunt, a great student - she's the best - have a happy day Donna - we love you!!
8 comments:
I always remember November 22 as Donna's birthday and as the day JFK was shot. Well, I didn't always. It helps that Matt's is the day before.
Love the pictures. In the one with Leslie, is that Phoebe sitting on Harry's lap? What an adorable shot regardless, but anyway just thought I'd point it out.
I'm pretty sure it's one of Mary's girls - the red hair is the tip off!
I toatlly remember swimming with Donna when she was wearing that bathing suit. Not that she really went swimming, she was always tanning.
Happy Birthday, Donna! The best aunt a kid could ask for!
Funny, it didn't look red to me but now it does.
You are pretty much the best aunt around, Donna. We're all very lucky!
yes donna - yo are the fabulousest. adnI remember all those pix - swimming andyou getting burned and all the birthdays. and i always forget about JFK until mom reminds me.
i guess that means donna comes first.
anyway - happy day!
Thank you for all nice comments and pictures the last picture you can rip up. I cant believe how skinny I used to be. I love all of you too. It has been fun being your Aunt.
But the last picture gives it all an air of reality!! This is how Claytons are!!
In one of those pictures Mom is wearing the heart dress that I now wear on occasion!
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