A. Helen

Helen Cowsert

When A. Esther died, Martha asked those who wanted to write something about her to do so. I did. It was so nice to write about my blood aunt. Today, once again, I write about my blood aunt. As an MK, we have many aunts - the missionary family - and yet at times, we do not know our own relatives very well. And yet, A. Helen has always been in the mix. My earliest memories of us with A. Helen is during Easter the year we were on furlough and Elena was born. We are all dressed up in beautiful Easter dresses, wearing bonnets and purses. The next memory is of going to Mary Poppins movie with her. What a treat!
The thing that impresses me the most about my Aunt Helen, is that she opened her home to me, then to each one of my other siblings as we came to the US for college. We never had to worry about where to go to when the dorms closed. Where would we spend Thanksgiving? What would we do for Christmas break? When we needed a car to go see friends over the weekend, she lent us her car to travel in. Remember - those were the days without cell phones. She did not know how we were until we got back. I remember that she loved to cook Lasagna. She not only opened her home up to us, but she also opened it to our friends.
Having teens in her house was not an easy feat for a single lady. She had been used to having things her way in the places she liked them. Unfortunately, I did move some things on her desk, which she immediately put back in their places.
We came over and did laundry, watched TV, slept in, ate her food…….. And learned to watch and enjoy the Lawrence Welch Show. To this day I still sing:
"Good night, sleep tight and pleasant dreams to youHere's a wish and a prayer that every dream comes trueAnd now 'til we meet againAdios, au revior, auf weidersehen.....Good Night!"
How do you say thanks to a person who did so much for you when you were all alone? I have told A. Helen thank you so many times for all she did for us, but I know these words were not enough to really thank her for her investment in my life and that of my siblings. You know, as a teacher day after day, she invested in the lives of her students. She continues investing thru her scholarship which will go on for years to come. What a blessing she has been in my life and in countless others.
I love you and am so thankful for you.
Good night A. Helen, until we meet again!