I am writing this column with tears running down my face.My beloved aunts memorial service is today and I cant attend.She died on 12/29/2008.She was in her 80s.I was her flower girl when she married in 1956 and my late cousin was the ring bearer.In fact..I didnt even know that she was sick.Noone told me.But what could i Do? It takes me 3 days to come from seattle to New York and the trip sometimes aint nice.She died of kidney failure and now I have to be so careful.I dont drink nor do I smoke,,but I walk at least 2 miles a day.I walk all over seattle.I cant afford the bus now..the rates are going up..but as I walk..I remember Tess and the good times that we had.My aunt Tess was very ill..whe n she word that my father died.Guess what? She came to the wake and came to the funeral! She even helped my mother clean up! What can I say about my aunt? But all I can say is this..my uncle Bob...he aint doing so good.And Him I am a bit worried.My cousin Robin is a single parent.She married Rob in 1985..they were together a short time..then something happened..Rob got ill.He came down with a very rare kind of blood disease.He only lived for 6 months..SHe had a baby..Bethany and guess what? My aunt called Robin and told her to move back home! Robin is the first born and she is smart..she was studying law..but she had a big loss and she moved back home.The law was put on a back burner.SHe took a job in a bank.My aunt and uncle would watch the baby until she came over from work.Bethany is now 19 and is in college.She is doing very well.Robin has never remarried and she is taking this hard.I lost my father when I was 40 and it is hard when you are 40..losing a parent.But my aunt is in a better place.She is talking baseball to my father.SHe is discussing the garden with my mother and as for Frank..she just pulled up a chair to discuss the last Yankee game.Cheers to you..you were a wonderful aunt and you will be missed.Bye! Vader.