On August 12, 2015 my mother passed away. With her passing the world lost not just a mother, sister, aunt, or daughter, but an amazing teacher, care giver, proof reader, joke teller, over tipper, and so much more. She will not only be missed throughout our entire family but by anyone who had the pleasure of having their life touched by such an amazing human being. Through out her life she created a safe and fun environment filled with books, music, and art for my siblings and me. She shared all of these passions with her students and everyone around her wherever she went. She brought so much to the world and I have the pleasure of being left with her love of books and learning, crazy hair, crooked smile, and unrelenting sarcasm and stubbornness. I owe everything to her.

Her strength in everyday life as well as throughout her illness never ceased to amaze me. I work hard every day to model this strength that I know she would want me to have.

The outpouring of love from friends has been a very large factor in helping me achieve this strength a little more each day. 

Thank you all for your support.

Audrey