This morning, I share two family stories about our aunt, Maggie Montezuma Glover. Our Aunt Maggie played an important role in the lives of all the cousins growing up in the Glover family. In 1948, when my mother was dying of cancer, I went to live with Grandmother Glover and Aunt Maggie. During the time I lived with her, I began calling her Auntie.
Honk, Honk — Auntie Is Coming (1950’s)
Glaucoma robbed our Aunt Maggie of one thing she loved to do – read. The loss of vision came on gradually and was hardly noticeable initially. At this time, Aunt Maggie was in her late sixties and early seventies. She felt good. She had places to go and people to see. Auntie had no intention of giving up driving. On no! It was up to the other drivers to take her declining vision into consideration. As Auntie neared an intersection, she began honking her horn. Once she arrived on the other side of the cross street she stopped honking.
Fortunately, Pecos was still small enough that most people recognized “Miss Maggie’s” car. Those sweet people watched for our Auntie and gave her the right of way whether she had it or not. In spite of driving legally blind, Miss Maggie never had a car accident.
Maggie Montezuma Glover (Dec. 1890 – 1967)
From the Mouth of Maggie Montezuma Glover: WW I Heart Break
In the late 1930’s World War I summoned my three brothers for service. Preston and Holsey joined the army and Joe became a tall, handsome Navy man. As proud as I was of my brothers, I must admit that I was fearful as the boys boarded the train that would deliver them to their military bases.
When the young man who was the love of my life decided to join my three brothers, anxiety settled in and never left. Letters from Europe helped but nothing removed the fear of loss. My three brothers survived the war and returned home unharmed. My love did not. When he did not return, I closed my heart. Never again would I allow myself that kind of vulnerability. My life changed forever.
Through the years, I thought of my lost love many times. My conclusion was to live life alone and accept reality. I found satisfaction in doing my job well, attending church with Mother Glover, reading, and visiting with family every Sunday for dinner.