As I rummaged through a long-lost box of family photos, I came upon this gem. This is my Aunt LuVerne and my oldest brother John. Today happens to be Aunt LuVerne’s birthday. She was born in 1919 and died at the age of 69. She was the wife of my Uncle Hutch Leatherwood and the mother of my first cousins, Claude and Lee. John was born in 1944 and since Aunt LuVerne can still hold him, I’m guessing he is two or three. That would make the year 1946 or ’47, which would make Aunt LuVerne 27 or 28. You can tell by the way that Aunt LuVerne is looking at John that she loves him. Her adoring gaze speaks volumes. And John, securely held by his sweet aunt looks happy and peaceful. You can tell that he knows he is very much loved.

I’m sure this photo was taken in my hometown of Bonham, Texas. The sign on the lower right reads “School Zone.” I’m not sure exactly where this location is but I bet that house across the street is still there. I have to also note that the passenger door on the car is open. I’m guessing that Aunt LuVerne was the passenger and she jumped out and ran over to pick up her adorable little nephew as he toddled towards her. I’m not quite sure why John is dressed in a jacket and those sturdy little shoes while Aunt Luverne isn’t even wearing a sweater. However, I do love that she is wearing white bobby socks with her shoes, which was the style at that time.

I am very happy to have found this photo. I had never seen it before, and that in itself makes it special. Also, since Aunt LuVerne died back in 1986 and John sadly followed just four years later from AIDS, this photo represents a sweet and innocent time in both of their lives. The love in this photo is palpable. What a wonderful gift to discover after all of these years. Seeing it makes my heart sing.