In memory of my Great Aunt Sarah Ann

My Great Aunt died this Sunday at the age of 92. She was the oldest of three sisters, and if any of you know, a family made up of three sisters is a force to be reckoned with. These sisters have contained the magic glue that has kept their extended family together since before I was born. We have had family reunions every three years since 1978—the sisters, their spouses, children… everyone, from all over the country. I have some of my greatest childhood memories at these week-long events.

I remember two summers ago at a family reunion, my Aunt Sarah Ann hobbled into the evening poker tournament, her buy-in cash in one hand and a beer in the other. We had over 40 people playing. Into the wee hours of the night it was down to two people, Aunt Sarah Ann, and her grandson, sitting across the table from each other, duking it out. Lo and behold—she won. Good times.