Thank You, Aunt Tea... You May Rest Now!

Hey, Y'all!

In today's blog, I would like to take a more serious approach. I can promise you, though, that today's blog is, as always, a unique one

As of 11:00a.m. PST on Christmas morning, I have completed Ms. Vivian's autobiography. This was a great Christmas present, given that I started writing my second book sometime in late April/early May.

One of the things that I thought about after completing Ms. Viv book was: "Wow, it's done—it's officially done!" However, as I was printing out the chapters and putting them in my binder, I thought about something else: an angel returned home while I was writing my book.

It is no secret that the Ms. Vivian character is a sweet homage to my dear sweet Aunt Rosie, a.k.a. "Aunt Tea." Not too many people know this, but I created Ms. Vivian as a means to cope with the bittersweet loss of Aunt Tea. When The Lord took Aunt Tea home on January 8, 2008, it changed my world forever. Suddenly, I was faced with all kinds of trials and tribulations, and I didn’t have anyone to talk to. Oh, sure—I had people to talk to, but they had problems just like I did. As I struggled to make it through the storms in my life, I also had to cope with the loss of such a lovable family member. It was then that I found a way through my grief, in the form of writing my first book, Simply Bret. In the process of writing my first book, I created Ms. Vivian as a way to deal with Aunt Tea’s transition.

It amazes me sometimes how it took my Aunt Tea to leave home in order for Ms. Vivian to be born.

When I started writing Ms. Viv's autobiography back in April 2010, something happened. Ms. Vivian started to take on a life of her own, and Aunt Tea slowly but surely stepped out of the picture. When I officially completed Ms. Viv's autobiography, I thought about Aunt Tea, and that's when it hit me: It was as if I was saying: “Aunt Tea, you can go now. I’m still gonna miss you like crazy, but you can go.”

Anyone who had a chance to meet my dear sweet Aunt Tea already knows how remarkable a jewel she was. Close friends knew how I would light up whenever I talked about my adventures with my Aunt Tea. Well, Aunt Tea is gone to Glory, but her spirit and her legacy continues to show itself—this time through Ms. Vivian.

Thank you for your inspiration, Aunt Tea—you may now rest. I love you.

Ode To Ralph

In today’s blog, we’ve got a special guest: Susan Ariel Gosinheimer-Douglas, the baby daughter of the late Ralph Brandon Gosinheimer.

Hello, Everyone.

I’ve had a couple of days to think about what I wanted to say. I knew that I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your prayers, your words of encouragement, and your condolences during my bereavement. It’s not easy losing a parent—believe me. I’m 51 years old, and I thought that my dad’s passing would be a little easier on me. Let me tell you—it ain’t no easier, even at my age. My next door neighbor Ms. Vivian said to me, “You could live to be as old as Methuselah—when your parents go home, it’s still gonna be tough on ya, Baby.”

And Ms. Vivian was not lying about that.

My mind goes back to this past Thanksgiving, when Bret and I saw my dad for what would be the last time. My sister Angie and I took a picture with Dad on November 27. Angie told Dad that she would get the film developed that week, to which Dad said, “I tell you what, Pumpkin—you and Susie can do what you wish, but I won’t need a copy because I know what y’all look like.” When Bret and I were set to leave Atlanta on November 28, Dad hugged me very tightly, and he kissed me on the eye. Then he said to me, “Take care of yourself, Susie Q, and know that Daddy loves ya.”

On November 29 at around 9 a.m. PST, I felt a jolt throughout my body. I didn’t think anything of it until five minutes later, when my mom called and told me that Dad went to Heaven. She told me how his transition was a peaceful one, and how she was right there to witness him take his last breath. It was then that I realized what my dad meant when he said that Angie and I could keep the picture that we took. I also understood why he kissed me on my eye—that was his way of saying, “See ya later, Susie Q!”

My final comments are simple—they’re the same comments that I made at my dad’s homegoing: For those of you who still have your dad with you, be grateful and cherish him, because he is your dad.

And Dad, thanks for taking such good care of me, Angie, and Mom. Until I see you again in Heaven, I love you.

From the Family of Ralph Brandon Gosinheimer

As many of you know, our dear friend and brother Ralph Brandon Gosinheimer passed away last Monday, November 29, 2010, at the age of 79. His homegoing service was held this past Saturday, December 4, 2010 in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Even though Ralph’s family and friends had heavy hearts, they did what they set out to do—celebrate Ralph’s life.

The Gosinheimer Family would like to send out their warmest appreciation and gratitude to those of you who sent cards, flowers, condolences, and most of all, your love and support.

Here is another picture for you all to enjoy. This is a picture of Ralph with his daughters, Angie (left) and Susie (right). This picture was taken on Saturday, November 27, 2010, just two days before Ralph went home to Glory.

“If you still have your parents with you, by all means, cherish them, because there’s gonna come a time when The Lord will call them home and by then, it’ll be too late to say that extra ‘I love you’ or ‘I’m sorry.’ I can speak for Angie when I say that we have no regrets, because we did what was right by my dad... well, best as we could anyway. Congratulations, Daddy—you’ve made it over.”
—Susie Douglas, on the day of Ralph’s homegoing celebration

Happy 80th Birthday, Aunt Tea!

Today’s blog is a little different. In writing about one of my characters, Ralph Brandon Gosinheimer, I took a little time out from my schedule to acknowledge a very special family member.

On this day, December 7, 2010, I celebrate my Aunt Rosie’s 80th birthday. In my family, she was affectionately known as Aunt Tea was more than just my aunt—she was my godmother and my very best friend. She used to say to me: “I’m your ichiban, your number one friend, your ace-boom-koom, and your homey.”

When Aunt Tea went to Heaven on January 8, 2008, and my world was forever changed. It took a while for me to get over her transition, but I stand here today a lot stronger than I was. Even though I still miss her—and rightfully so—I still rejoice in the fact that Aunt Tea is resting comfortably in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Life is amazing, isn’t it? It took Aunt Tea’s transition to Glory for the Ms. Vivian character to be born. I only created Ms. Vivian five months after Aunt Tea went home, and when I compared the pictures, I was taken aback. I guess that old adage of “life imitating art” still rings true.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Tea—and I shall see you again, ya’hear?

A Pictorial Essay of Ralph Brandon Gosinheimer

Hey, Y'all:

As was announced on this past Monday, the homegoing services for Ralph Brandon Gosinheimer are set for this Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 11 a.m. in Atlanta, Georgia.During this bittersweet celebration, Ralph's widow Charlotte took the liberty of sharing some pictures of her late husband. In the very first photo, Ralph was dressed up as Santa Claus, posing with his daughters, Angela (l) and Susie (r).

The next photo shows Ralph's fun-loving side, as he was dressed as a jolly old king for a Christmas play. One of the songs in the play was "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Bing Crosby, and Ralph was excited to play the role of the king who told the people everywhere to pray for peace.

 

In this photo, Bret parents (left) took a picture with Ralph and Charlotte... and yes, that's Ms. Viv in the middle. These five seniors were celebrating the 30th wedding anniversary of Bret and Susie Douglas.

A Message from Charlotte Gosinheimer

Happy December 1, Everyone!

We are still in celebration of a life well lived in our dear brother and friend, Ralph Brandon Gosinheimer. As you know, Ralph passed away this past Monday at the age of 79 years old, with his wife Charlotte by his side.

Speaking of Charlotte, she has a message for each of you. Here it is:

My very first memory of Ralph dates back to the day we first met—April 30, 1953. We were both in our early twenties. I was working as a nurse at the Empire State Memorial Hospital, and as fate would have it, Ralph was my patient. He came into the emergency room one Tuesday afternoon, thinking that he suffered a broken leg. Fortunately, Ralph only had a severely strained hamstring. When I walked into his room, he forgot all about his injury and started flirting with me. I tried to be as professional as I could, but I couldn’t lie to myself—it was love at first sight. When I took his temperature, I noticed that his blood pressure rose. The doctor talked about putting Ralph on blood pressure medication, but I wouldn’t allow it. I looked at the doctor and said, “No, I think something, or someone, has excited Mr. Gosinheimer.” Almost immediately, Ralph said, “And she’s a cute little honey blonde nurse named Charlotte.”

As the young folk say nowadays, Ralph had good game. Needless to say, we dated during that year, and on New Year’s Day 1954, Ralph proposed to me. We got married on April 10, 1954, and lemme tell y’all: I enjoyed being Charlotte Renee Gosinheimer. Two years later on January 1, 1956, we welcomed a baby girl to the world—Angela Margaret. On June 1, 1959, we welcomed our youngest daughter, Susan Ariel.

In the 57 years that I’ve been married to Ralph, I’ve always known him to be nothing more but a devoted, loving, and caring man. He was also a jokester. He would tease Angie and Susie constantly, but I betcha that when push came to shove, he was always there for his little girls. When Angie and Susie found their respective dreamboats, Ralph walked them down the aisle on their wedding days. He also welcomed Frederick and Bret into the family the best way he knew how: he referred to them both as his sons.

This past Monday, November 29, 2010, Ralph went home to Glory. About an hour before he left, I heard him say: “Here I am.” I knew that I didn’t call him, and when I told him that, he said, “No, Char—I know your voice all too well; this is a different voice callin’ me.” Once he said that, I immediately ran to his side and held his hand. I wanted to make sure that he got to Glory safely. At around noon, he took his last breath, and although I had tears in my eyes, I rejoiced in knowing that he made it.

As you all have probably been told, the homegoing service for my dear Ralph are scheduled for this Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 11 a.m., at Mighty Oak Baptist Church in my hometown of Atlanta, GA. My family and I extend our most sincere gratitude in advance for your kind words, well-wishes, and encouragement.

And Ralph, save a space for me, because I’ll see you when I get there. Love ya!