8/26: Annie

A dear friend of my family passed away today.  She did a lot of theatre with my parents over the years, and with me and my siblings, too, once we were old enough to join in.  She ate countless meals at our kitchen table, came to so many cast parties, and saw us grow from toddlers to teenagers.  We considered her our aunt, even though we weren't "officially" related.  She was an actor of consummate craft and great charisma.  Off the stage she made my father laugh like no one else could, and she made a way in the world like only she could.  I am grateful that she was part of my childhood and is still part of who I am.