rest in peace, aunt lyn

if you've kept up with me in 2007, you know that it's been a major rollercoaster.

there have been so many highs and a smattering of serious lows. and just when i thought everything was on an upswing, my aunt lyn passed away after a long battle with COPD and lung cancer.

i flew to philadelphia on monday night after work to attend her funeral mass on tuesday.

aunt lyn had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world at that very moment. she was always positive, happy and joyful, even when she was dragging around her oxygen tank. she lived life at its very fullest and was fully emersed in the moment. she was amazing to be around -- you could feel her positive energy engulfing you.

i was very lucky to have 38 years with her. i got to learn some family history and secrets. I got to learn some customs and recipes that she and my dad grew up with.

during the past 11 years, i got to know her a lot better and i only wish i could have learned more of her secrets from her.

if i can be 1/2 as positive, joyful and charismatic as aunt lyn, i'll be ok.