Reflecting on the Most Transformative Female in My Life
IWD - Daisy Chain Flower Crown
In celebration of International Women’s Day, there are certain individuals who stand as pillars of strength, guidance, and inspiration.
For me, one such woman is my Aunt Donna. Married to my Uncle on my mother’s side, her presence in my life has been nothing short of transformative, profoundly shaping my perspectives, values, and aspirations.
As I reflect on the pivotal moments and significant milestones, Aunt Donna's influence emerges as a guiding light, illuminating my path with her wisdom, grace, and unwavering support. In exploring the most transformative women in my life, I am compelled to spotlight Aunt Donna – a remarkable soul whose impact transcends mere familial ties, leaving an indelible imprint on my heart and soul.
Join me as I highlight the history and cherish the memories that underscore the profound influence of Aunt Donna and the invaluable role she has played in shaping the person I am today.
Who Is Aunt Donna
Aunt Donna is the wife of my Uncle David on my mother’s side. I will not use her full name as she has limits on what personal information is shared on public forums and social media.
Aunt Donna came into my life sometime in the mid-seventies when she met my uncle, who lived in Montreal. In my early childhood, I always enjoyed visits with my uncle because he was different. Growing up, he was the “black sheep” of the family. He enjoyed fast cars, and, a few drinks and during the sixties, plenty of music and everything that went with that culture. He had great stories to tell. As a freelance artist, he could work on his own schedule unencumbered by societal demands. His mother had her ideas of what a “real job” was, though, and thus, did not always see eye to eye.
A Path of Her Own
Aunt Donna was also on a path of her own and a little unconventional. She married young, as many girls were encouraged to do in the sixties. But for various reasons, she soon realized it wasn't the life she wanted. She broke free from societal expectations with courage and determination and pursued her dreams. She wanted to travel.
Her decision to leave the relationship was bold, especially at a time when it wasn't common for women to strike out on their own. Yet, she did it fearlessly, paving the way for her own destiny. She was often ridiculed for being divorced and frowned upon by many.
She pursued a career with a Canadian Airline based in Montreal to achieve her dream of travel. Although she was not part of a flight crew, she did receive and took advantage of one of the most sought-after benefits: free or discounted flights! This was Aunt Donna's ticket to freedom and adventure.
She travelled and explored the world with friends for the first few years of her employment. A short time later, she met my Uncle David and together, they soared through the skies and experienced different cultures and landscapes. Every opportunity they could, they packed their bags and disappeared a few weeks a year. While her employment gave her with the means, the world empowered her to embrace new perspectives. Aunt Donna was the perfect complement to the wild side of my uncle.
How Aunt Donna Affected Me
As a teenager, hearing her stories of distant lands and exotic adventures ignited a fire within me—an insatiable curiosity for the world beyond my own. One of the most significant gifts Aunt Donna gave me was an appreciation for different cultures. Her travels exposed her to a kaleidoscope of traditions, languages, and cuisines. Through her eyes, I learned to embrace diversity and celebrate the richness of our world. Aunt Donna's adventures instilled a sense of wanderlust and a desire to explore beyond the familiar.
At university, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Australia. I knew this opportunity did not present itself to everyone, but I also knew that being so far away from family weighed heavily on my decision. I turned to Aunt Donna for advice and encouragement. She told me to jump at the opportunity since you will never know what the future will bring. If traveling is your passion, grow your wings and fly. She believed there should be nothing holding you back.
Aunt Donna's independence was infectious. Over the years, she showed me that being true to oneself is the ultimate freedom. Her unwavering belief in carving her own path inspired me to pursue my dreams without hesitation. Whether choosing a career path or making life-changing decisions, Aunt Donna's example taught me the importance of self-reliance and resilience. I went on that trip to Australia and was changed because of it.
In Addition to Travel…
In addition to Aunt Donna’s incredible travel stories, she has an effortless sense of style that exudes confidence and charm. Her wardrobe reflects her vibrant personality—fun, chic, and always on point. From trendy ensembles to timeless classics, she taught me that fashion is not just about clothes but also about self-expression. Even now in her late seventies, her pairing of a short leather skirt with an animal print blouse and strappy sandals will cause heads to turn.
And let's not forget her love for wine—a shared passion that deepened our bond and created cherished memories. With France and Italy being her favorite places to go, she often brought back bottles of wine as her souvenirs. Although we now live 6 hours away, one of those cherished vintages inevitably shows up on the table whenever we visit.
Thank You, Aunt Donna
Aunt Donna stands out as a beacon of strength, independence, and grace in the mosaic of influential women. Her transformative presence in my life has left an indelible mark, shaping me into the person I am today. Through her example, I've learned the power of courage, curiosity, and embracing life's adventures with open arms. Aunt Donna, thank you for changing everything and inspiring me to be the best version of myself.
Do you have someone that has inspired you?
Thanks to these ladies for supporting the idea:
And others who may want to add to the chain…
Wow what a beautiful devotional piece to a woman who sounds so wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing all that your Aunt Donna gave you… female role models like her are immensely powerful and I love reading about her. Reminds me of my Grandmother who at 103 still will not be seen without her red lipstick and nails and all her jewellery. Xx
I wish I had met your Aunt Donna- I feel like she and I would really get along- I think an appreciation of different cultures is so important and undervalued. Thank goodness for family and friends who make this possible. I remember someone in our family friend group always come to visit—bringing snacks, food, and things from afar. When you’re little and gift is of ultimate importance—this really matters! 🤓