I am so grateful to have had a Mom like my Auntie Marj Black. Make no mistake, I had a wonderful mother who raised me, but I also had another mother who really listened to me and who valued me for who I was. That mother was my Auntie Marj. For a kid who grew up feeling different, Auntie M. was a beacon of unconditional love. She was wholly invested in encouraging me to be myself, to have fun in life, to keep my friends close, and to keep interested in the world around me. As long as I was happy and I was doing things that made me happy, Auntie Marj assured me that I was living a good life of which she approved.
Auntie M was never short of time to share a laugh or a wise word with me. She encouraged me to stay connected to my cousins and extended family, and in doing so I've never felt alone in the world.
I will dearly miss our regular phone chats from Toronto to Calgary, when we bridged the East / West divide, shared stories and family updates, and discussed politics, philosophy, and future dreams. I can still hear her saying those very familiar words now: "As long as you are happy, Dear, that's the main thing. Auntie M, you remain very loved and will be greatly missed. May you rest peacefully.
Love, your nephew, Iain Charles McBride (nee Karen Anne)
