Tireless Acts of Love

Aunt Edith was a small woman in stature but her love and compassion for others could not be measured. She never tired in doing for other people whether it was cooking delicious meals, cleaning, cutting hair, or just giving a hug and saying ” I love you honey, come by and visit soon.” I was a recipient many times as a child of her unselfish love.

In the spring of 1956 or 1957, she made an ugly duckling feel like a princess. I was a shy, skinny, red-hair freckled-face little girl with a cross eye, and was very aware of my lack of physical attractiveness. I was often teased and felt like an ugly duckling. My Dad (Harry Dodd) was attending Oklahoma Baptist University in preparation of ministry. Finances were very limited.

An invitation to a Mother-Daughter Tea at the President’s home arrived in the mail. Mama (Peggy Carr Dodd) was hesitant to attend. She knew there was no money for new dresses. Aunt Edith intervened. She spent hours upon hours cutting and sewing yards and yards of green dotted Swiss material into four beautiful identical mother-daughter dresses.

The afternoon of the tea arrived and Mama, Judy, Becky and I attended and had a wonderful time. We also looked as stylish as the other moms and daughters. I can still remember twirling round and round in my new dress and feeling like a princess.

Thank you, Aunt Edith for the hours of work and love that was spent to make that day special.