I love you Mom. I miss you so much. You would be so amazed to see how many great grandchildren you have. When I look into there eyes I only see you! I tell them about you and show them pictures. Always be by there side and keep them happy and safe.

My thoughts and memories begin in Elmont, New York. I was a little boy. I remember seeing my cousin Michael in a high chair with my Aunt Carol getting ready to feed him. I must have been at least 4 years old. I was there with my mother Janie and my little sister Danielle. As far back as then I can remember a serenity between Aunt Carol and my mother that carried on for the rest of there lives. I credit the days they lived in Brooklyn. A time that most of our family lived there in close proximity. I know they both loved to speak of all there Aunts, Uncles and cousins. It must have been great. My mother was more relaxed around her big sister than anyone else. It was apparent because she was always just herself, the same way she was at home with us. No appearances to keep up or images to maintain. We spent most of our holidays together which is another sign that they were especially close. In hind sight thinking back to the holidays we celebrated year after year together, they feel like deja vu. Every year Was the same over and over. Aunt Carol made the same meals every year and we did the same thing from the time we woke up until the time we went to bed. I miss those ground hog holidays but some how they taught me that traditions die hard because I do the same thing today with my family. Aunt Carol did more from a chair than most people can do otherwise. She would wrap Christmas presents, peel potatoes and much more while everyone else was looking to her for a task. We always said her heart was as big as she was but that is not accurate. Her heart was so big it was immeasurable. I found comfort and love just thinking of my Aunt Carol. I still miss her and think of her everyday. She is part of all of my holidays in spirit. Love you Aunt Carol!!

Aunt Carol was a one of a kind person. I was lucky enough to not only call her Aunt, but also Godmother. She always had a joy about her, she loved her family and showed it constantly. When I was living in PA a few years ago, I would go and sit in her room with her, and we would talk. She gave me new perspectives on some of my lifes issues. She had a unique way of seeing things. John is right, every holiday our families got together, and the two of us try to model our current holidays after our holidays from childhood. It was because of our mother and Aunt Carol that we have these memories, and they will be cherished while the traditions are passed on to our children.