Heaven has a new angel.

Today I lost someone very near and dear to my heart. My auntie Hiroko (known as Kim to close friends) passed away after suffering a stroke. Family and friends gathered at the hospital to be at her side and say their final farewells. She was surrounded by loved ones right to the end.
Hiroko was my favorite of aunts, one of two who I affectionately called auntie. As a child, I looked forward to her visits and sleep overs. I remember going on shopping trips for back to school clothes, jewelry when I first got my ears pierced and my first pair of high heeled shoes. Auntie is the one who started my passion for jewelry, purses and clothes. She was a friend, more like a sister...someone I could confide in with confidence and trust. She was my hairdresser from a young age, after a botched bang trimming my mom performed. She never judged me when I came in with my failed attempts at streaking/coloring or cutting my own hair. She patiently curled my "mop-head" of hair on my wedding day, telling me how happy she was that I had found a wonderful man who she thought was perfect match for me. I remember going out for breakfast one morning with my auntie and mom. I had just gotten a phone that played music and had her listen to Michael Buble's "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine." She looked at me and asked, "Who is THAT? That is mine and Leonard's song!" She became an instant fan and went to several of his concerts in the years to follow. Every time his songs came on the radio, she would yell, "Michael! Michael! Michael!" Just recently I had told her I was going to a Duran Duran concert in August...she was excited and happy for me, remember how much I loved them when I was 12. She told me, "Bring the program so I can see their pictures. I hope Nick is still the same and Simon is as cute as ever." The best thing about my beautiful auntie's personality is the way her face would light up anytime you brought up her husband Leonard or her son Justin...she was truly a proud wife and mom. Leonard and Justin were the loves of her life, her everything.She adored hearing Leonard sing Karaoke and watching him perform magic tricks. She was so proud of all and every accomplishment Justin achieved in school and in life. Justin's girlfriend Nancy became the daughter she always wanted, There is not a single person in the world that would have anything bad to say about my auntie. She was truly a wonderful, loving person with a kind, beautiful soul. Her zest for life was inspirational and her laughter was contagious. I already feel an empty place in my heart and miss her like I've never missed anyone before. But it brings peace to my heart and soul knowing I have another angel in heaven looking down and watching over me. I love you, Auntie.