Peg
I love Peg to the moon and back. To this day I think of her often. She was tall 5’9”, blond curly hair, beautiful blue eyes, a crooked nose, like mine. She had a voluptuous figure and worked side-by-side with her husband at a bar.
She was the life of the party, but quiet and demure. Funny with a great sense of humor like her brother, my Dad. She was a mother of seven, a mother who loved deeply. She was a wonderful human being who would do anything for her children. They were all respectful, fun and hard-working just like her.
Peg worked at the bar until one day they were robbed. Tragically, she was beaten and left a little less confident and happier in life. Her husband lost an eye in the robbery. But somehow she went on and always brought sunshine wherever she went. She ultimately did not let this tragedy hold her down. The despicable tragedy changed her. It may have dimmed her light for a bit. However, she rose up again to shine for the rest of us.
As a mother, she faced a tragic life. She lost one son when he was only 25. Another passed away at 35. Then, she lost a third son at fifty after losing her husband. She was heartbroken repeatedly. She loved her sons openly and honestly. She was rightfully proud of all of them. Stomach cancer is what took the two older sons. The youngest fell victim to substance abuse, although with such a perfect home life, no one really understood why. He was a musician and the creative type. I lived with this family for a summer. They truly were a beautiful family.
I look a little like Peg and was always proud to be her niece. There was a time when I would write her regularly as she lived 8 hours away in upstate New York.
I know she is in Heaven now with her lovely boys and husband. I still keep her in my prayers as she taught me to smile through life’s tragedies. Never forget those that made you stronger. Tell their stories and be proud to have known them.
Fabulous, Fun, and Frustrating, People 
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