A Lived Lesson in Being Present: A Brief word of gratitude for my Auntie Barbara (July 1, 1948 - January 8, 2026) Last week, I received the news of the unexpected and sudden death of my Auntie Barbara. There is much to say about my Auntie that others will share over time for those who knew her, but I wanted to offer a brief word of gratitude for a life well-lived. For those who grew up in the confusion, chaos, and aftermath of divorce and single-parenthood, you know what it means to have those who are always genuinely present. The overarching memory of my Auntie Barbara is that throughout all seasons of my life, from childhood through adulthood, Auntie (along with my Uncle Henry) was always there, bringing her unique perspective of life and the world. Auntie viewed the world through a lens all her own. She made up words for things that I think are still being discovered, her collections were a thing of wonder, and she gave us nicknames that continue to bring my cousins and me endles...