Family is a complex tapestry woven with threads of love, history, and shared moments. In this blog post, let’s dive into the heart of my family, a tale that begins in the charming town of Palatka, Florida.
Ann Ell Crosby: A Southern Matriarch
My journey starts with my mom, Ann Ell Crosby. Hailing from Palatka, her parents, Ina Alzany Crosby and William Martin Crosby, played pivotal roles in shaping our family’s narrative. Known affectionately as “Ann-Ell” to most, my dad had a special nickname for her – “Nellie,” a term of endearment that resonated through our household.
Ina, my grandmother, was simply known as “Ina,” while my grandfather was the enigmatic “W.M.,” a moniker that, due to its rapid use, transformed into the more casual and fast-paced “Dubby-M.” Growing up, the cousins affectionately addressed him as “Uncle Dubby-M,” blissfully unaware of his given name until curiosity or adulthood prompted questions.
Robert T. Lee Jr.: A Name with a Twist
On the Lee side, my dad, Robert T. Lee Jr., faced a minor naming hiccup. Intended to be the second in line, a birth certificate typo turned his middle name into “Thomas,” leading to his adopted moniker, “Robert T. Lee Jr.” I followed suit as “Robert T. Lee II,” bringing a unique twist to our family’s nomenclature.
My dad’s parents, Ruth and Bob Lee, bestowed him with the title of “Tommy,” a name that stuck throughout his life. His father, legally known as “Robert Thorpe Lee Sr.,” preferred the distinguished title of “grandfather,” as mandated by my grandmother Ruth.
Aunt Amelia and Uncle Bit: Southern Charm Personified
This is important – Growing up in the South, we had a quirky way of pronouncing “aunt” – it was always the more casual and charming “ant.” It added a touch of sweet tea and southern sunshine to our family talks. Now, as I venture up to New Hampshire, I’m gearing up for a pronunciation showdown. Brace yourselves, folks up north say it the “proper” way – “aunt.” It’s like a friendly linguistic duel, a clash of accents where “ant” meets its more sophisticated cousin. Let the pronunciation games begin!
With that being said, Aunt Amelia, my mom’s younger sister, embodied southern charm. Affectionately known as “Aunt Meeya” due to our regional accent, she married “Bit” – yes, “Bit.” His given first and middle names were, Ellwyn Vance, however I never heard that name used by anyone that actually knew him. The nickname originated from his youth as “Little Bit,” eventually morphing into “Bit.” To me, he was always “Uncle Bit,” the man who introduced me to shotguns and bow hunting.
Aunt Barbara and the boys: Spitfire!
Aunt Barbara Ann, a cousin closely connected to both my mom and Aunt Meeya, was more than family – she was like a sister to them. Her three sons, who became my childhood companions, contributed significantly to shaping the fabric of our shared family story. The bond we shared added a unique and cherished dimension to our collective journey.
She and I were the black sheep of the family. Make no mistake, we were truly loved but we both live life to the fullest and consider rules to be more of guidelines that could be ignored when needed. We do our own thing and gladly she still does today.
The Aunts: Indulging in Love and Laughter
Growing up, I was surrounded by extraordinary women who played pivotal roles in shaping my childhood. My Aunt Linda; when you coupled that southern accent with her smile and charm, Aunt Linda would brighten anyone’s day. Aunt Joann, the culinary genius behind delightful tomato sandwiches and “Shepherds Pie” both left indelible marks on my early years.
Aunt Amelia, affectionately known as “Aunt Meeya,” brought southern charm into our lives and smothered me with love. I loved going to Aunt Meeya’s for rice-crispy treats and just plain being spoiled.
But the tale wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of Aunt Barbara Ann, who was more than a cousin – she was like a sister to my mom and Aunt Meeya. The laughter, love, and shared moments with Aunt Barbara added an extra layer of joy to our family gatherings. Yes, I confess, growing up, I was undeniably spoiled rotten by the affection and care showered upon me by these incredible women.
Yes! I Was Spoiled Rotten
Being the only child in my immediate family, I found myself at the center of attention. Spoiled by Aunt Meeya and Uncle Bit, who lived a short drive away from Melbourne Beach in lovely Cocoa Beach, and surrounded by the love of my my grandmother and granddaddy Crosby who lived right next door most of my life, resulted in the fact that my childhood was indeed a tale of being “spoiled rotten.”
In the next installment, I’ll unravel the story of our journey from Palatka to Melbourne Beach, a pivotal chapter that sets the stage for a significant decision – the choice to move North, leaving behind the roots that defined my southern upbringing. Stay tuned for the next chapter in the Crosby-Lee saga!
