The Eleventh Day of May: One Year Later

It amazes me how fast an entire year passed since I wrote a post called The Eleventh Day of May. May 11 is a bittersweet day for me, one day for three anniversaries.

May 11, 2002: 9 years since I graduated college

May 11, 2009: 2-year anniversary for my writing log

The first year I kept my writing log, I averaged 8.5 hours per week. My original goal was 10 hours per week. This year, I'm happy to report I average 16 hours per week.

Today also marks the one-year anniversary of my Aunt Joni's passing. I miss her every day.

Last month, my husband and I visited my brother and his family. After interacting with my niece Piper, I realized how my aunt felt about me and my brother. It makes me miss my aunt more. But I'm glad I had the time I had with my Aunt Joni, because as a child I knew how much she loved me. I just didn't think of it in the terms I think of now, as I look at my own niece.

I knew because my aunt was always so excited and happy to see me, and she was always so kind to me. I loved her fiercely. Being with her made me happy.

My Aunt Joni & I on the day I graduated from Kent State University, May 11, 2002

I hope I can be that kind of aunt to Piper.

Piper & me March 2010

I love you, Aunt Joni.