To me, she was Auntie Gin. That was in name only. She was actually larger than life in my mind. Her influence on my life was huge. That largeness was made of many tiny things.
Just being around someone who has the boldness to be an artist is influential for sure. My memories of her really started when I was about 14. We were visiting for a wedding or something and she told me to go in the other room and there's a new channel on the TV with a bunch of music on it(MTV). I was amazed. It really opened my eyes to the world outside of where I grew up.
Like many moms, she started a conversation with me with food. I had countless meals at her house and I was the only one eating. And she always had orange juice at the ready. (One of my best friends later referred to her as 'the OJ lady'.) Beyond all of these little things, she talked to me as if I were a peer. Much like my mom always did. The respect felt good.
A few years later I moved closer and being around her was still a treat. I remember when she, my mom and I would play guitar together. We strummed and laughed. I remember when she was getting ready to build her house close to where we were living. I was taking drafting in high school. She asked if I could draw her house for her. It both felt like confidence in me and scared me at the same time. I wasn't used to that kind of faith in me. I think that was the sort of thing that manifests in a person and boosts their self confidence.
I'm glad I got to visit a few times in recent years. While her health had declined, that warmth and rich southern accent were still there just like it was 40 years ago in my memory. While I'll miss her, her influence will always be with me.
