Just Be Yourself

by Kay Heitsch

My Aunt Carmeleta was the wife of my mother's youngest brother Fred. Even though my Uncle Fred died many years ago and Aunt Carmeleta is now married to Ken, I still consider her aunt.

Everyone should have a wonderful aunt like Aunt Carmeleta. I lived with her and my Uncle Fred for a year when I was a teenager. Like a lot of teenagers, I had issues with people who talked negatively about me. If you've ever had this happen, you'll understand how hurtful it is.

I'd talk to Aunt Carmeleta about these hurtful things, and she would always say, "Just be yourself." This was great advice! In fact, it has been some of the best advice I have ever received. I learned that not everyone is going to like you, and that's okay. Just be yourself.

When my husband Bill met Aunt Carmeleta for the first time, he didn't think she was for real. He questioned, "How could anyone be so nice and not be a fake?" But he's found out through the years some people can be this nice and be for real.

I've never forgotten the advice to "Just be yourself." We need more people in this world who give great advice and are kind and loving like my Aunt Carmeleta.