I'm writing this as a small way to vent, and to hopefully inspire in the end.... 

My Aunt lost her 5 year battle with cancer this past week....she was very dear to me, and left behind two beautiful little girls, and my Uncle... (my uncle and father were identical twins before my dad passed away when I was a little girl).....It makes me sick to my stomach that a woman who was in so much pain, yet never failed to keep a smile on her face, and shower her love over her family was taken so soon...She was truly one of the strongest women I have ever known, and I feel so blessed that she kept me closely knit as part of her own family. I am thankful that I've watched her two little girls grow up, and that I can be there for them now, knowing exactly what they're going through. It's like reliving my worst nightmare, having to see them lose a parent just like I did when I was a kid....

This whole ordeal only solidified my life motto I learned at an early age after losing my father....I absolutely never let a day slip by without filling it with love, adventure, and as many smiles as I can muster. Nothing in this world is more important to me than family, friends, and experiencing life to the fullest, chasing every single dream I have, and encouraging others to chase theirs as well.

I know each day is truly a blessing, and I intend to continue to live like each day is a gift, appreciating the simple things in life, like the next beautiful sunset, or a day snuggled on the couch with my favorite person, and I try to have as many silly spontaneous endeavors as possible! 

My Aunt Erin was a perfect example of a life filled with love, adventure, passion for creativity, and faith that everything will always be ok......

Here's a video of her at a dance off at her High School where she was a teacher.....Picture this the next time you're having a bad day, a woman with cancer, in loads of pain, still doing everything she can to make the people around her laugh and smile, and loving every moment of it.....

Aunt Erin, you truly will be missed, but absolutely never forgotten....I love you with all of my heart, I can't believe how blessed I was to have you in my life!