lost in thought

DSCN7270_1, originally uploaded by lilylord.

The other day was my niece Lily's birthday. Big party with lots of activity, but sadness too. Her great Aunt Sue had passed away the night before from cancer.

Death is a such strange and horrible thing to me, with so much sadness left in it's wake. I slept last night fitfully, remembering Sue. Remembering all of the people close to me that have died (always too early, too soon).

She was one of those people who had such an easy way with others. High energy, full of life. I remember when I was first dating Ben and going to a Holiday meal at the Robinson's. And how intimidated I felt. We had only been going out a short while and things were still in that "I'm not sure this is a permanent kind of thing - am I just the girl who's passing through?" mode. But I spoke with Sue and she asked me questions about myself, the kind that made me feel like she connected and was interested in me, and I felt at ease. I felt like I belonged in that moment. Those qualities are special and often not easy to be found. I'll miss her for sure.