Extraordinary Women Vol. 1

After Joining the Army

Aunt Artie and Uncle Dale Cairo, Egypt

Aunt Artie in Italy

This classic beauty is none other than my Great Aunt Artemisa Gomez-Hughes.  Now in her late 80's or early 90's (depending on who you ask) this women is still one of the most inspirational people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  Artie has lived a phenomenal life.  She has survived hardships and enjoyed bliss.  Not only did she sing and dance for royalty in Egypt, but she also found love there.  I have never known her to be an old woman no matter her age.  When she used to watch me as a child, she cleaned the church everyday, taught the ballet folklorico and went to jazzercise.  Recently she was hit by a car while crossing the street and just a few short months later she is back to normal.  There is no keeping this woman down.  She was part of the army during WWII and no matter the time she lived in she remained well educated.  I don't like to play favorites but she is by far my favorite Great Aunt and one of my favorite people in the entire world.  I think that we all could take a lesson from her and never stop doing what we love.  She has not stopped living just because she has gotten older.  She has never separated herself from the family and what I find most significant is that she is still sharp as a tack!  I only hope that when I get older I will share the same qualities as her.  Her love story is one that should have movies written about it.  My Aunt and her husband Dale met in Cairo, Egypt.  They were both in the army at the time and while watching a movie he leaned over to his friend and said "See that woman down there?  That's the woman I am going to marry."  Just think, this was even before they knew each other.  That is a story that fairy tales are made of.  About 60 years later they are still married.  Due to the fabulous life she has lead there have been numerous stories written about her in newspapers.  There was even a television program that aired last year on Univision about her life.  She appeared on the cover of a local book called "They Opened Their Hearts: Tucson Elders Tell Stories of WWII to the Youth."  If we learn anything at all from this woman we should learn that we need to live more, love more and strive to be the best person we can.  Love you Tia Artemisa.

Here is a link to an article that was written about her in 2008.  The story starts on page 10.  I hope you enjoy!
http://assets.mediaspanonline.com/prod/1181189/dln_07042008A24.pdf