A year is a long time, but passes so quickly

A year ago today, my beautiful aunt Mars lost her battle with cancer.  She was such a fun, energetic, creative person.  I miss her so much but celebrate her every day.  She was definately taken before her time.

I believe the best thing we can do when a loved one leaves us is to live a full life honoring them.

• Over the past year, I've honored my promise to Mars to look after John while keeping her memory alive.  I've offered support to family and friends who also know Mars.

• I've  laughed harder and loved deeper because Mars reminded me that life is precious and no one has a promise of tomorrow.

• I act with authenticity every day.  One thing I loved about Mars was that she spoke her mind and didn't let anyone pressure her to do anything she didn't want to do.  That is true authenticity that I try to incorporate in my life.

• I nuture my creative side.  Mars was one super creative person.  I can only hope to be 1/4 creative as she was.

• I allow myself to be unique.  Mars had a sense of style that I swear only she could get away with.  She always looked fun and cute.  Not everyone can pull that off with such stylish flare!

• I enjoy Mexican food.  One of the  last things Mars and I talked about was how much she missed eating smothered burritos from our favorite mexican restaurant.  Her stomach just couldn't tolerate it anymore.

• It is rare that I don't think of her when I do a shot of tequila.  I could usually count on her doing a shot with me.

• Sometimes when I call her old phone number, I do so to hear her voice on the voicemail.  The sound of her voice still stays with me daily.

I am so sad cancer took her from us.  But I am so glad she wasn't left to suffer without relief or solution.  I thank god that if she wasn't able to beat the cancer and was forced to suffer, that she was released quickly and painlessly as possible.

I really believe Mars would not want us to sit around being sad.  She would want us to dance a little, drink a little, laugh a little, and raise a toast to her while doing it.  Sounds like a good plan to me.