A Cinderella Story
by Jushawn Carter
(Atlanta, Ga)
This is a photo of my aunt cutting her cake.
On December 28, 1947, my aunt Hazel was born. Hazel grew up living a wonderful life. Spending time with family and friends was always first. She took in her sister Gwen’s daughter as if she was her own. In 1995, her niece, I, Jushawn was born. To me, Hazel, was a strong woman. I looked up to my aunt Hazel and admired her.
Fashion was also a must to Hazel. She wore the nicest dresses, the best accessories, and the cutest hats. She was looked at as Cinderella. She walked around with pride. She was a role model to many. She was what I considered a real woman.
On one tragic day, she was cleaning and a mix of chemicals she was using got into her system and she was rushed into the hospital. Due to the strength of these chemicals, Hazel lost were memory, and was now considered handicapped and unable. She now spends every hour of every day in bed, and the task of getting her up and active is a hard one.
The day of the incident I was actually with her. I was young and watching her carried off in an ambulance was one of my worst experiences of my life. The event affected me in the worst way possible. I had lost my role model, my friend, and most important my aunt.
Inspired By The Draping Fondant
On her birthday, when I was asked to make her birthday cake, it was hard finding an idea or theme for the cake. I continued to finish the basics, and after I had iced the cake and began to place the fondant, the way the fondant fell around the cake inspired me. It had me think of a wedding dress. When the picture of the dress came to mind, I instantly began to reminisce of the times I'd watch my aunt, Hazel, get dressed in her finest dresses. Those memories are what inspired me to create this cake in the design of a unique dress.
Thank you Jushawn for your very touching story about your Aunt. She obviously means the world to you. Her sweet Cinderella birthday cake is beautiful and made with so much love.
