“Ali was not the most timely when responding to texts, unless it had to do with books.   She loved to make recommendations for our nephews and nieces.  She always knew to ask age, reading levels, and what interested them.  Fancy Nancy was a favorite the past few years; our niece’s learned to read and host tea parties.”

“Whenever Ali would see a little girl without a bow on her head, she immediately would say, ‘What is wrong with those parents?! Where is the bow that little dollbaby’s head?!”

“Ali craved attention and persuaded many of us, unwillingly, to participate in games and actives we never would have imagined. In 1999 (give or take a year) Ali wanted to model –in the historically black sorority Delta Sigma Theta’s fashion show – she just would not to it by herself.   For whatever reason, I caved and we catwalked our way through the evening.   How did she convince us to do these things? It must have been love and friendship.  You may reference the airbrushed t-shirt on Ben in another post if you need proof.”

“Have you ever tasted a vodka spritzer?  Well, it is best served in a coffee mug with a single berry and enjoyed as the sun rises. Several of the girls road tripped to Buffalo for the weekend. After closing the bars, well after they were legally required to close, we returned to Katie’s house.   With a desire to continue the party, Ali served delicious spritzers. With nothing to mix with the vodka she just threw in a gently smashed strawberry!  We sang and danced until the neighbors left for church.”

“When I was pregnant with Nori, the little brat was breech. We were at a family function and I was joking around with Ali. Our family has a natural inclination to punch someone if they are within arms reach if they say something we don’t like. (Ali was also known to BITE people if their finger was too close to her mouth. This was still happening while she was in the hospital and of course instigated by both my parents.) So I teased her and she naturally punched me. In the stomach. NORI’S HEAD. After I screamed in shock, she felt bad but couldn’t contain her laughter.”

“The Owl.  Long before Ali had to relinquish ownership of the red owl lamp, we understood their parting would be emotional.   Jackie and I found a small white owl lamp, with a shade, to give her after Martha received the original red one as her wedding present.  Beautifully adorned with pink ribbons, it rests on Olivia’s nightstand next to the rocking chair.”

The XU girls with the red owl lamp at Ali’s wedding. I believe the lamp has made it through most of these girl’s possession.

The new white Owl.