This is a tribute to my Aunt, whom passed away Thursday, 5/15. She was 51 years old. She was a stage 3 cancer survivor who was initially given a year to live.  Through her determination to survive, she beat it! She went through radical treatment which included chemo for a spot on the liver.  The ironic & tragic part of this is that the tube inserted in the liver had leaked & they believe caused her cirrhosis (sp?) of the liver…which is what took her life.  It's just wrong in every way possible.  We all lost a special person….this is what I was blessed enough to witness over the past month, put into words & read at her service.  This is the kind of love that keeps hope alive and gives new meaning to life.  To my Aunt Robin Renee Gatz…I love you. And my Uncle Jerry for being her angel…you are amazing! In this past month, I experienced something that was truly eye opening; The kind of experience that can only be described as life changing; An experience that leaves you breathlessly in awe.  That experience was true love; The kind of love that can’t be felt or experienced through the big screen and doesn’t fade with time.  I witnessed the undying love of a man & a woman. A love that respects, honors and values – not value based on money or possessions, but values the humanness and sprit in another.  Love that was filled with unconditional acceptance, thoughtfulness and infectious laughter; Intertwined with fight, stamina and endurance; A love that found peace in the present moment.  A love that didn’t operate individually but faced life’s challenges together…a true partnership that was selfless and put the needs of the other above their own…undefined by comfort zones. Love that didn’t look for the flaws, but found the good; A love that didn’t leave the hard stuff to someone else, but welcomed the fight with uncompromising courage and strength; A sweet love that illuminated my aunt’s beautiful face with a glow that only comes from the spirit and peace of God and the love of her husband.  I was blessed with the gift of being witness to love in it’s truest form…the ACT of love.  One that is precious and rare; One that we should all be striving for;  Thank you, Aunt Robin & Uncle Jerry, for allowing me to witness your love in it’s fullness and purity.  You’ve shown me what love looks like and my life is richer than it’s ever been because of your gift.  I love you both.