My aunt Lizzie passed away this afternoon. She was 82, quite fond of smoke and fonder still of drink, and had a full ride. We knew it was coming and so did she. She was diagnosed with cancer of everywhere it seemed a few months back.

I admire the fact that she took that in stride. She was of the opinion that "I had a nice run." She got to go in peace in her own bed and on her own terms. How many of us can say that. She was able to will herself to hang in there until the out of towners could arrive to say goodbye. When my wife and I split, she was the first to say how little that mattered, that there was always a place of me at her table and a cold beer when I needed one. That's what made it easy. When you meet your significant others family, it can be intimidating. First time I met the family was in Towne Gardens and despite how cool my in-laws are and were then, it was a little daunting to greet them en masse. But Lizzie was of a mind set that not only was I welcome, but what took me so long get there in the first place.

She told my daughter not to cry for her, that there really wasn't anything to be sad about. I later told my child that she should do whatever works best for her, but Lizzie's point was that she didn't get cheated and leaves on her own terms.

Me, I guess I feel bad that I don't feel worse. I admire that she was able to pick her time and essentially tell Cancer to fuck off until she got to see everybody once more. Mostly because it didn't feel right, we postponed my daughter's birthday revelry for a few days (still gave her the non-ipod today).

I miss Lizzie already. The "we all just folks, that's it" way she approached people should be law. So, I could go to Shakespeare for the gathering but it didn't seem right. We didn't birthday party today, we just hung out family style and raised the occasional glass to Aunt Lizzie.

Miss you, Lizzie!