an extraordinary life

Have you ever been in a movie?  Built B-24 bombers during WWII?  Owned your own business?  Traveled the world?  How about tracked down a niece and nephew in foster care, fought and worked through the red tape and bureaucracy to gain custody, threatened to get your lawyer involved, then got awarded the children because you're scary enough without the lawyer?  My great-aunt Leota did all of those things, and more.  She died last week at the age of 86, having lived life on her own terms.  She never married, never had children, kicked...butt on her bowling team, and spoke her mind.  She said to me one day years ago, "Looks like you're going to be a lot like me," and I consider it the best compliment I've ever received.  Leota, I'd be proud to be a little like you.  Thank you for all you did for so many people, just by being brave enough to be yourself.  You were remarkable.