much sadness

It has been a very melancholy week here. My husband's beloved aunt lost her long battle with lymphoma early Sunday morning. (This shawl was hers.)

Her loss has been a deeply felt one. She was a true gem of a person, with a gift for making you feel like you were exactly the person she wanted to talk to, just by the way she smiled and said "how are you?" with the emphasis such that she really cared to hear. Her natural warmth and enthusiasm meant she was the life of the party, and I mean that in a good way! My boys were always happy to hear that she was going to be at a family shindig. It didn't hurt that she would talk and play with them as if they were the highlight of her attendance. The card game Mille Bornes was a particular favorite, and I doubt my kids will ever play it without thinking of her.

Her gracious touch in life—and most especially her wonderful smile—will be sorely missed.