This thread hit home to me today, as last night I learned that an older relative passed away in the hospital. Cousin Laura wasn't particularly close, but she was a favorite relative - when I was young, and as I grew older, because she was different. Among the staid new england family members she stood out like a flamboyant "Auntie Mame".

It was not that anything she did was totaly off the wall - but more that she allowed herself to enjoy life, without caring about what society thought about her. Yet at the same time, a most loving, giving and compassionate women. She has left a legacy behind, of stories and laughter that will continue for at least a few more generations....