Being close to 50 years old and not having any children I still give and have given the knowledge I have to those students I taught and all my nieces and nephews. As always there have been more women in my family then men. Most of my nieces and nephews are out of college and starting their own careers. I could be a meany such as Cronos, Oedipus, King Arthur and Shaka Zulu as well as many other famous stories where their kingdoms were overthrown by their successors and in some ways mine has but in other ways I still can ease the transition or what is left of it.

If I haven’t said I was proud of them for doing better then me now I will and I will also say my last suggestions that they may want listen to even if it is from their crazy Aunt Jennie.

My nephew went to University of Mass at Amherst where I was accepted but had to decline and went to the University of Washington instead.

My niece received a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry my worst subject.

My other niece heals the minds of those in need and coming from a family with a history of depression is very good and models healthy habits as a result.

My sister and her daughter work together without bickering as my mom and I never could.

My other nephews are following my brothers path.

And other niece has surpassed her depression early and moved on to leading those around her.

So much to be proud of as a Aunt.

Here is my advice if you so choose to take it to further your ascension into a life better than mine. To be honest you might know this already but that is why I am crazy telling you information you already know.

Find love but most important know what makes you excel inside and out and harvest those talents, skills and behaviors.

Listen. Know the motivation. Process all possibilities. Proceed morally and ethically correct. There is always knowledge to gain.

If you loved camping and drinking straight from those glacier fed waterways. Save our environment. Mother Earth needs your help and support.

Speak to stop injustices or inequalities. Though be effective and respectful in your approach without cruelty. It creates friendship and stronger relationships afterwards.

Exercise, brush your teeth and eat your fruits and vegetables silly.

Last but not least.

Just as I accomplished every Thanksgiving I hosted keep the good traditions and the mood comfortable with lots of laughter they might want to return next year. For I always said the more the merrier and you are always welcome.

I might have more but that is all I can think of at the moment.

So excel you excel in more ways I could ever imagine.

-Jennie Nawrocki