My odd synchronicity for today: my great-aunt passed away and I was invited to sing a solo at the funeral mass this morning. She was always a big supporter of my singing, so I was worried about making it through the piece (Faure’s Pie Jesu). I walked up to introduce myself to the cantor, only to discover that it was the woman who had played Mrs. Shinn when I did Music Man a few summers ago. We hadn’t seen each other for a while, and it was nice to catch up and have her emotional support right there after I was finished. It's great how the presence of a wonderful person can help you through a tough moment, even if you haven't seen each other in a long time.

It’s hard to imagine not walking in to Aunt Marion’s room at the nursing home and also seeing Aunt Mary-Alice there on one of her weekly visits. The two were such a team. Rest in peace, Aunt Mary-Alice. We'll take care of Aunt Marion for you.