Aunt Norma was married to my Uncle Jim, mother’s brother. She grew up in the area around Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and was very country in her ways. She was fun loving, cheerful and always willing to lend a helping hand. She usually dressed a little too young for her age. Their children, my cousins, went to different schools because we lived in different areas of town.

When I received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Lander University and delivered the commencement address in 1988, my dad had died the year before and my mother was deep in the throes of Alzheimer’s disease. When I walked out on stage I was shocked to see Aunt Norma and Uncle Jim seated on my right near the stage. I had no way of knowing that they would be there. They had never attended any event that involved me in the past. I am thankful that I spotted them and was able to acknowledge them along with other members of my family.

Mrs. Jackson, wife of the president of the university, took them under her wing and guided them through the dinner and the reception. Aunt Norma looked great. Uncle Jim had taken her shopping and to the hairdresser. Uncle Jim was always a sharp dresser. They were truly out of their element, but no one would have guessed. They had never attended anything like this. They did it for me and I know also for my mother and dad. It made the event even more special for me. The Gossetts with their French heritage were always more fun loving than the stuffed shirt English Carnells and this was definitely a stuffed shirt event.

The reception was given by Marvin and Kathy Cann. Marvin and I were roommates at Furman University. My cousin Marion Carnell was there. The library on campus was later named for him. My sister, Jean, and my brother-in-law, John, were there. My speech was well received. It was truly a night to remember. My fondest memory of this special time in my life was walking out and seeing Aunt Norma and Uncle Jim in the audience. It is one of those moments that lives forever.