Sadness

As some of you know I have a cousin who has been battling Leukemia. Tonya was diagnosed in June of this year. It's with a heavy heart I share this news with you: She has lost her battle with this horrible disease.

Tonya passed from our life on Thursday October 9th at 9 pm. Our visitation services were today and she will be laid to rest tomorrow, Monday October 13th.

Tonya was an amazing person. She had such a bright spirit and positive outlook on life. I've never seen her upset or angry. Even after she became ill she was so upbeat. The illness took her vision shortly after her diagnosis but living in the darkness didn't get her down. I remember she made jokes about how she wouldn't have to clean house any more--she couldn't see the dirt so it wouldn't matter.

She had the most adorable lopsided smile and you couldn't help but share it. Tonya was also the epitome of the blond cliche--slightly ditzy, always adorable. When someone did something goofy it was said they "pulled a Tonya."

Her pain is over and while we're all gratedul for the releif her loss is great and her memory will never dim.

All the kind words I've received and the prayers that have been shared with me and my fmaily are most heartily appreciated. Thank you all for your caring, generosity.

It may be a bit of time before I'm back and updating my news. Your patience is appreciated!
Hugz
JJ