Death

Losing your loved one is never easy. I really didn't want to start out a new year with death. At least I have the memories.

Aunt Jennie

Aunt Jennie was 96 when she passed away in her home in California. Jennie was my great aunt, my grandfather's sister, a Lucci. She lived an amazing life, especially for a woman coming of age during WWII. She joined the service which allowed her to leave her small town in upstate NY and expand her horizons. She was extremely independent and lived alone much of her life. She never married but earned a PhD and had successful career in occupational therapy.

She didn't care for flying so she drove all over the US. I can remember her coming to visit us in Texas when I was a child. Her little dog sat in the back window the entire trip. Jennie drove sitting up straight and leaning forward towards the steering wheel. As I got older, she drove less so I visited her in California. She had an immaculate house and garden. In her 90's she went to bed in the late afternoon and woke up at 4am. She spoiled her little dogs...she even fed them ice cream!

Jennie socialized best one-on-one. I am very lucky that I was able to visit her a number of times 2005 -2007. I have very fond memories of my weekends with her. The last couple times we visited, she told me that she had lived a long life and she was ready to die. She said she didn't understand why she was living so long, but God must have something else for her to do. I heard she went quickly, which was exactly what she was ready for.

Brad Graham

Brad, aka TheBrad, was known for a dinner event at South by Southwest he hosted called "Breaking Bread with Brad." I first met Brad in 2002 when I went to the Iron Cactus for BBwB. I didn't join the meal because I had already eaten. I sat at the bar which ended up being the best seat in the house because everyone had to walk by me to go to the restroom. It was a great night and I talked with many friends and met new ones. Eventually Brad came out and we met. He insisted that I join his party, which instantly made me feel welcomed. Brad made everyone feel welcome.

His sense of humor made me blush at times and he was always going 90 miles a minute. He brought so many of my good [blogger] friends together. I can't imagine what my life would be like without all those friendships made at SXSW.

Brad was only 41 when he passed. That's entirely too young. He is missed.

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