Lost my aunt this evening to uterine cancer, that had been treated into remission, only for it to come back with a vengeance in her lungs/ throat. Non-smolker, and pretty much vegan throughout the past 20-25 years. She tried to take care of herself through diet and exercise.
My dad( her brother) left our family when I was 9. My aunt maintained a relationship with me through my childhood and nurtured a very special bond that existed throughout my adult life unto this day. When she retired, she sold out her interests in the largest real estate firm in a Top 20 metro in the US. She was a liberated, independent woman, well before it was accepted, and very muchly absent the usually assigned politics. She was a tough-ass business woman, fiercely loyal matriarch, and devoted Christian who filled out her 'free-time' with charity work with both the mentally challenged and battered women. She was a mentor to many, and I certainly counted her as one to myself. She was as transparent and vulnerable as anyone I knew when we were talking real life issues/ experiences.
When it comes to a warrior spirit in human form, she will always be one of which I think of first. Rest in peace, for you have fought the valiant fight. Your strength moved to serve others who could not do for themselves. You truly loved your fellow man. Not much else needs to be said beyond that.
I will miss you every day.