this year, more than any other time in my life, i am being subjected over and over again to the lesson that part of everyone's life is the passing of other lives. i know it's all part of reality, but let me tell you, it sucks.

this weekend, my aunt florence died. aside from my mother, she was the most gentle, nurturing person i have ever known. she always had a calm way of speaking, and i always felt she was really listening to i when i talked with her, even when i was very small. she had a wonderful smile and a kind and generous soul. it was apparent to me that she and my uncle joe were devoted to one another (they were married for more than 50 years), and that makes me a little worried for him. unfortunately, she never got to meet her grand niece and that is something i will always regret.