Ah, to whine freely and bitch about my current situation, what a joy that would be. Sadly, that isn’t going to happen today. Maybe tomorrow, probably not. All I can say is that there is simply too much for me to handle right now.

On top of the financial debacle I am currently desperately trying to untangle, one of my favorite aunts has passed away. She lived a good, long life, and I hope her passing was peaceful. At this point, we do not know what she died of specifically, she was found dead. An autopsy is in the works, but we don’t know when to expect the results.

When I had my first son, the wonderful Mr. Knowitall, I was a young single mother, trying to juggle school and work. My aunt stepped in and took over as a nanny for my son for a long time. She was very good to him, and always very good to me.

I often felt judged by members of my family for having had a child so young and out of wedlock. Aunt Sandy never judged me, never criticized me, only offered me support and advice. She was a fabulous vocal woman with a strong voice and an even stronger personality. She was a force unto herself.

Many of the family insisted on calling her Aunt Sar, as Sarentina was her birth name. I remember her always asking, “No, please, it’s Sandy.” Having gone through my own round of “this is my name, stop calling me by that other thing” with my family, I completely understood and respected her wishes.

Blessed be, Aunt Sandy, I hope your rest is peaceful and your journey to the other side a joyous one. Death is only the beginning of the adventure.