Rest in peace, Tracy.

On Wednesday night, Jay's childhood friend Tracy lost her battle with what started as breast cancer, and died in her sleep.  I didn't know her well, but my memory of her is a special one -- she came to our wedding as a "surprise date" of Cheri Chevalier, another childhood friend of Jay's.  Everyone was so happy that she was there, and it added to the feel of our wedding immensely.  I dug this picture out (that's her on the left) this afternoon, because I wanted to remember her on that day, looking beautiful and having fun, before cancer was a part of her life.

She leaves behind a young daughter (about Lauren's age) and husband, and her sister is one of Keri's best friends.  It's tragic.  And beyond sad.  And hitting way too close to home.