The Dardarian force was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm with the death this week of our matriarch, Lee. All of us who knew her were amazed by her energy and enthusiasm for life. She got more done in a day than most people managed in weeks. She was incredibly organized - and was the butt of many family jokes for her detailed knowledge and use of her deep freeze. She not only had the energy for her many volunteer projects but also for her family. She was unfailingly generous with her time and affection. Her friendship and help when my dad was ill was very important to him, I know. And her affection and support when I was going through my divorce helped me a lot. She organized our family reunion in the '80's - and thank goodness that we all got together one more time before Dad died. We only saw each other about every five years, but I will miss her. I know that part of why I am such a strong woman myself has to do with the example set by my grandmother - but also by Lee and the rest of the strong, warm, and loving Dardarian clan.