The following is a small testament of all the kind, thoughtful and compassionate memories of my dearest Aunt Kathy... As a youth I had found my way down a troubled path. A road less likely traveled by many in a family of very classy and successful members. At such a point where I can remember really teetering on edge of a cliff, one side a deep valley of lost souls and the other a second chance for a better life of endless possible opportunities. Before me sits my dear Aunt Kathy. Now I would be lying if I said I wasn't at first intimidated by the presence of a woman of such elegant, classy stature, who was very successful from years of enduring hard work (not too mention a school admin of which I hadn't had the best of luck\experience within many schools over time.) I am sure she could feel that I was a little weary to engage in a serious life conversation and immediately started by first saying that I would not be judged by my past or current transgressions but only for the choices I make from now and in the future. I, immediately felt comfortable enough to have a real and honest conversation with myself and my dear Aunt Kathy. As we proceeded to talk I didn't realize I would remember her kind, heartfelt, knowledgable, no BS, words of wisdom and ultimately to be written in memory of her untimely death. So here it is... "the past is the past, leave it there...", " anger only welcomes misery and misery loves company... ", " you are who you associate yourself with so surround yourself with good, positive people..." and finally patience.. "those who have patience to do simple things perfectly ever acquire the skill to do difficult things easily". Now these words of wisdom I blatantly remember may not be original or exact but they were sincere and at that time, were on the spot accurate for what I was going through and needed to hear. In conclusion, I regret to inform that I am not a perfect person from dear Aunt Kathy words but I am a better person from just to have known her and have been blessed that she cared for me and never gave up on me... Saddened by loss and Never forgotten , Thomas D. Byrne " I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition. " Martha Washington