Today I remember.

Today is the one year anniversary of the passing of a most wonderful person- my aunt Dolly. I am sad that it has been so long since she's been gone, but even sadder that I forget to think about her daily like I should. Not just to remember her, but to remember all the things she stood for and represented that I wish I stood for and represented more in my life.

The weekend of her funeral was the saddest, most miserable weekend of my life. Her passing caused such great heartache for so many people, including me. To see people cry that I've rarely seen cry, especially such passionate crying, is a very hard thing to handle. I held my grandmother on one side and my sister on the other during the service. I watched my grandfather hug my father tightly, both sobbing. The men in my family don't sob.

Dolly was a light in the lives of the people she knew. She showed kindness to everyone- unless of course you were picking on someone, and then she scolded you. It's not right to pick on others. She delighted in the small things- like hugs. I could go on about the things she did that inspire me.

I am glad that I was able to grow up with her in my life. It's made me a better person, I am sure of it. So, today I remember her and all she was to me and so many others.