Dominic, Mary, David, Chief and, of course, Annie: I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss.
To the kids: Your mom was a great, great lady who always made me feel like family. And it wasn't just the making me feel so welcome and loved, it was the honor I carried inside me that somehow came along with all that love. I will never forget the raised eyebrows and the big, warm, glowing smile she'd always send my way whenever she saw me. I'll carry my memory of it for as long as I live.
And Chief: Despite the years and despite your differences, you two made a great team; great parents, great grandparents, and great -- well -- great grandparents. Things like that don't happen by accident, and raising kids so well, so consistently and so successfully takes two hearts beating as one, regardless of the distance between them.
Please know I'll keep all of you in my prayers, and will think of Beaut and her amazing, loving smile often.
M.C. Antil
Chicago