My Aunt Ida was one of the most kind and loving people in my life. Whether she knew it or not, she was a strong positive influence on my ability to show similar kindness to others. Although I was the flower girl at Sam and Ida's wedding, I do not remember it much. But there are many things I do remember. The one that always makes me smile is that she developed a habit of sending me a few dollars on my siblings' birthdays. I was the oldest (and for a time only) child on her side of the family. I can only guess that I had a hard time adapting to my sister and brother getting gifts, so she began giving me a small present as well on their birthdays to make it easier. This continued for years, even as I grew older. What I remember most is receiving a card from her on my sister's birthday during my first semester in college. More than the money, her thinking of me at that stressful time made me feel really happy. I will miss Aunt Ida very much. She is one of those people who has made the world better in many small ways through her impact on others.
