We all have one. A distant aunt or uncle.  A second cousin 17 times removed. A remote relative who we see maybe once a year - usually at weddings, occasionally at funerals. It's not someone we speak to often. Perhaps it's not even someone we give much thought to in passing. But when we do see them, we're filled with enormous love and gratitude and we wonder how someone who is so on the fringes of our life, can make us feel so much.

Mine was named Rose. She was married to my grandmother's cousin - I think. Truth be told, I'm not entirely sure. But she was of *that* generation. My grandma's generation. A generation which is fast slipping away and that tears at my heart.

Rose. With her reddish curls and her big, warm smile. Rose. Who always had a strong hug and a kind word. Rose. A woman I don't remember much from my childhood, but as I got older I discovered how wonderfully delightful she was and I found myself looking forward to seeing her at the occasional family get together.

I last saw Rose on November 1st.  I'll confess - I was relatively grumpy that day. I flew to NYC and back in the same day for my Great Uncle's unveiling.  I was sleep deprived from staying up late to watch the Yankees play the Phillies in a rain-delayed World Series game. I was irritated that the only beverage choices at lunch were neither Diet nor caffeinated. And I had a ginormous headache from driving around Queens in a minivan with 6 chatty Cathy relatives who got us lost. Multiple times. Including once in the cemetery.

And then I saw Rose. She came up to me after lunch and I remember thinking how wonderful it was to see her. It had been so long.  And yet - she was still the same warm, kind-hearted woman I always remembered her to be. We chatted briefly, I caught her up on my life, and then we parted. I didn't give it much thought at the time but Oh how I wish I would have.

I got an email on Friday night that Rose was in critical condition. It caught me off guard because I didn't even know she was on sick. Right then and there my heart broke just a little. By yesterday, I knew it was only a matter of time. And this morning, her passing was confirmed.

Today, the world lays claim to one less warm-hearted, generous, caring, kind, loving and amazing soul. 

Today, the world has lost a mother and a wife and a friend.   

Today, I close my eyes and let my tears fall softly and silently for a distant relative who was ever present in my heart.

Today, I mourn the passing of beautiful, sweet Rose.  

May her grace and her light continue to shine down on us all.