wlotus | I tread in the footsteps of an illustrious woman.

This evening I thought about the stories I have heard about Aunt Mo over the years. I realized that I have never once heard anyone suggest Aunt Mo's life was in any way tragic because she never married or had children. No one even painted her as a tragic figure due to her losing a leg! Instead, people spoke of how inspirational her life was, her adventurous spirit, how much she did for others, her sweet disposition, her active lifestyle, and most of all, how independent she was. Several people gave remarks at today's service about her fierce independence up until the point where she had to go into a nursing home. (Even then, she chafed at being wheelchair-bound and would often say she wanted to get out of there.)

I have always feared people would look at me as a tragic figure, no matter what I accomplish in life, because I remain unmarried and childless. (Truth be told, I looked at myself as a tragic figure, regardless of how others looked at me.) After today, I am not afraid of that, anymore. Instead, I am excited about following in Aunt Mo's footsteps as an adventurer, photographer, and independent spirit.

Thanks for inspiring me, Aunt Mo. I'll carry the baton with pride.