My Auntie

this is my auntie. she is my mom's identical twin sister. she is marlys and my mom is mayvis. these two are as genuine as their names! since my mom became a single parent of four when I was 2, auntie's role in our life was HUGE. we were her children. she lived with us a lot of the time and her authority was taken no less seriously than our mother's. in fact, you'd NEVER dare contend with her...if you knew what was good for you. there is no time in my life where her presence is not felt. she was always there. we always looked forward to her arrival. she LOVED, nurtured, adored, taught, guided, directed, supported and admired us as our own mother did and we could always count on that! you could always spot her face (or more accurately--her arms, flailing wildly to get your attention) in a crowd beaming with pride because she was really convinced that we were the smartest, prettiest, most creative and clever children alive. she would go on and on and on, and on and on, and on until you were nearly convinced yourself. like my sister said, "no need to spend too much time considering what to wear to the funeral because she won't be there to tell us how gorgeous we look." our auntie passed away Feb. 6, 2007 to a beautiful guitar serenade. she struggled with her health for the past three years, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma a year ago and underwent stem-cell replacement therapy in november with my mom as the donor. her body was tired and now she can rest in peace! her presence will be missed exponentially but she will be with me always. she is a part of me and I am forever grateful for the things she taught me and the hand she had in molding me into who I am today!!
thank you auntie, you will be cherished always! I LOVE You!