My main memories were always in the summer. We'd wake up and scarf down breakfast then get into bathing suits and run to Sandy and George's. There'd always be soda in the garage...country music....Tracey would whistle and let us know that Patrick and Eric were coming to hang. Then the kids would rule the pool!!! Until the adults wanted a volleyball match. I remember Tracey teaching me to drive...and how I gave her a heart attack because I slammed on the brakes over birds. I remember the blue car and the big green monster and that awful van. I remember how she stood up for me and Sam because the kids would bully us. She was always there...I didn't get to say goodbye but maybe that's for the best? Goodbyes are scary. So...in her great words...See you later. I love you Trace. 

I don't know the exact date or time she came into my life but I do know I was young. She became my step parent but to me she was my dad. She took on a role she didn't have to take on but I was so glad she did. I got the nickname Squeaker from her after we watched All Dogs Go To Heaven and it has stick with me ever since and I now have it tattooed on my arm. She made a huge impact on my life as well. She thought me how to mow the yard, paint, pull weeds, influenced my attitude and taught me how to  spit haha. We also had a running joke for as long as I can remember. "So when can I have Wrinkles?" "When I die - insert laughter -" "Well don't die any time soon cause I can wait to get him." November the 8th 2015 is when I got Wrinkles and he is upstairs in the bed. I have a lot of stories I could tell all of you and I'm sure you all could do the same. Just remember.... It's the memories and the stories that keep her around.