Vickie was married to my Uncle James, my grandmothers baby brother. He was a lifelong, die-hard, yellow dog Democrat. He always used to say that he probably wasn't smart enough to be a Democrat, but he for damned sure wasn't dumb enough to be a Republican. The same could be said for most of my family. We are descended from Appalaichian farmers who grew more rocks than food, but always managed to scratch out a living. Her father moved his family to Virginia during Prohibition, and made his living making moonshine. Her brothers and sisters all still live there, and that was where she and my Uncle made their home and raised their daughters. But a part of their heart was always here in the north Georgia and Alabama mountains, and this was their home as well.
    Vickie had breast cancer over 25 years ago, and it recently metastacized. She underwent treatment, and went into remission. But it didn't last long. The cancer returned with a vengeance, and the treatment didn't work. She was able to work until about three weeks ago, and I am thankful that she didn't have to suffer any longer than she did.
     I don't know if Vickie was able to vote in this primary. I hope she did, but I didn't feel it was appropriate to ask. I do know that two of her grand-daughters are Obama supporters, and one of her neices worked on his Virginia campaign staff. Her oldest daughter voted for Hillary. I thought about this during her funeral service this morning. Members of one family supporting different candidates of the same party, and others in the room who probably voted Republican. Worlds apart politically, but all united by their common greif at the loss of this great lady.
     As I looked around at her many friends and relatives who were there to pay their last respects to a woman that was loved by so many, it gave me a little perspective. I've seen a lot of comments on the blogs lately about the stages of grief as it applies to the end of campaigns or the defeat of candidates, many of them on this one by Obama supporters crowing about Hillary's imminent political demise. As an Edwards supporter, I understand that. But after witnessing and feeling true greif today, I promise you there is no comparison.
     My Aunt Vickie was a true matriarch, a strong woman who held her family together through thick and thin. So in her honor tonight, I am going to make a contribution to another strong woman. The woman that I believe is our last best hope. Whether my Aunt Vickie voted for her or not, I suspect that she would have been pleased to see her become our next President.