Stacy Munch Legacy Recordings

Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight. ~1 Peter 3:3-4

My Aunt Connie had a simple, classic style and always looked much younger than her years. I can still catch the scent of her distinctive perfume in the scarves and shawls she wore on holidays and special occasions, now hanging in my closet. She was a seamstress by trade, and since she only had sons, she lavished my sister and me with the clothes she made. We rarely purchased dresses for special occasions from a store. Every dress my aunt created felt special and one of a kind—special because it was made with love, and one of a kind because she added her own artistic touch to every standard pattern.

My sister and I recently accompanied my youngest daughter in her search for a wedding gown. We arrived at her scheduled fitting and watched as she stepped onto the alteration platform to try on several different styles with the help of a warm and knowledgeable bridal consultant. At times, I could picture myself standing in my daughter’s place while Aunt Connie pulled, pleated, and pinned the fabric she would miraculously transform into my own wedding gown. After trying on a few dresses, my daughter walked out of the dressing room wearing another, stepped onto the platform, and stood before the large full-length mirror. I looked at her, then at my sister, and knew the gown she was now wearing was the one. As the bridal consultant pulled, pleated, and pinned the fabric, I felt my aunt’s presence. Her gentle, quiet spirit was with us—her nieces and her bride-to-be goddaughter—guiding us in that sacred moment. I am comforted by the thought that my beautiful aunt remains with me through all the special occasions of my life.