Aunt Barbara loved the Marblehead lighthouse. Her wish was to be cremated. So in April of 2000 the whole family traveled to the lighthouse and dropped her ashes in the water there. We had  a small moment of silence and listened to aunt Barbara's favorite song. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of that song. Afterwards back at my grandma's hotel room we all let off balloons in honor of our aunt Barbara.

I want to share a few memories I have of my aunt Barbara. I remember when I was a little girl she was always around. She would take me places and buy me gifts. I remember every birthday we would go to this store called Gold Circle in the south end and then she would let me pick out any toy I wanted. I usually picked Barbie Dolls or accessories to go with it. I remember she used to put barrettes in my hair. She  was really into spending time with all her nieces and nephews. At the hospital the day before she died I was talking to her and I apologized for not being around as much as I shoul'd've and not visiting enough. She said two words to me NO REGRETS. Of course I started crying and gave her a big hug. I will never forget her and I know she's watching over me. I wanted to put this poem in here because it is from a funeral that I went to this year. This is a pretty poem I think my aunt Barbara would like it.

If tear drops were roses
I'd build a stairway
From down here, toward heaven
To walk up, some day

When I reach the top
Who would greet me
But those loved ones
Who went before me

So when you cry teardrops
Remember my friend
That with today's sorrow
A new stairstep begins