A Wonderful Aunt

even from 2000 miles away.....

I felt a bond with Aunt Ann that was much stronger than the bond typically shared by an Aunt and nephew living 2000 miles apart (and still do with good ol Uncle Tom for that matter). I wouldn’t say I have the best memory but I can distinctly remember pretty much every activity that Aunt Ann and I did together going all the way back to when I was a little kid. From white water rafting in Utah to building snowmen in Maryland to playing whiffle ball on the beach in North Carolina. She had that kind of impact on me. Even if we were just sitting around a table talking, the time we spent together was extremely enjoyable, even if we were arguing about politics or some other current issue(with Aunt Ann normally taking her normal pointed headed environmentalist side). Her intelligence amazed me.  The one thing that I will always remember about Aunt Ann is how interested she was in every aspect of my life. She didn’t just ask to ask, she truly cared.  After I was hired by Morgan Stanley we sat down together for at least 30 minutes so I could explain to her what exactly I did, she didn’t get up until she understood it down to the smallest detail.  The last time I was able to spend time with Aunt Ann was during my wedding last June.  She was so happy for Cortney and I.  I can only hope our marriage will turn into one filled with as much love and respect as the one Aunt Ann and Uncle Tom were able to build. I think we can all hear Aunt Ann responding to Uncle Tom’s request for an extra scoop of mayonnaise in an ever joyous tone “Yes Dear”.   I think I speak for all of the nephews and nieces on the Schaffer side of the family when I say she will be extremely missed, and will never be forgotten.