Traci Mae Aragon Obituary (1965

My mother, Traci Mae Aragon was born on November 3rd, 1965. She was the firstborn child to Doris Forbes, then to follow was her little brother William, and baby sister Brandi. I loved to listen to the three of them when they got together, laughing at and with each other, they all three knew how to press each other's buttons, and boy did they press them. One thing about the three amigos is that not only were they siblings but the were friends and they loved each other. My mom loved all her family especially her nieces and nephews, she had a soft spot for the kids and would do just about anything for any of them. She was the fun aunt. Her motto "Why do we eat cake at midnight? Because we can." My mother Traci graduated from Olympic high school and she studied and played basketball at Olympic College. Smart as a whip and more athletic then most men. She loved sports, all kinds ranging from tennis to golf, fishing, water sports and some kind of rough backyard football she would play with her brother and my uncle. She was kind of one of the guys. My mother gave birth to me, Rachel Mae Lakin on August 20th, 1985. As most of you know, my mother loves telling stories sometimes over and over and over again, but this story is a little different. I could have listened to this one a millions times. We would get to talking about the love a mother feels after giving birth to her baby. She would explain it as a flooding rush of everlasting instantaneous love. She would have a hard time finding words to describe it, as there are really no words, just feelings. Feelings of love, joy, pride and so much more. I am positive when it came to me, that those feelings she felt never left her. She and I were best friends; some might say we even raised each other. I could come to her for anything and she to me. Two peas in a pod, she and I. When I was four, she introduced me to her then friend, now husband Noel. I call him Noie (NO-E). I am the only one allowed to call him that, as it is my way of calling him dad. She really knew how to pick them. I mentioned that she and I were two peas in a pod. Well... these two were something else. Friends, best friends, lovers you name it the list goes on. I've seen the kind of love in them that some people don't get to witness in a lifetime; unconditional love. Recently, our family has been telling Traci stories. I loved hearing Noel explain to me how they met. He was out partying with his buddy, as most do in their early twenties and when he spotted her and her big beautiful blue eyes, he was star struck. He missed his shot, as he was to shy to walk up and introduce himself at the time. But, as fate would have it about a year later she walked into his work hang out and needed some assistance, he immediately volunteered. It shock most of his co-workers, as he was never the first to volunteer for anything. I remember feeling really upset when they went off to Reno and eloped, only because I was not there to celebrate with them as I was to young to go to Reno at the time. Deep down I really didn't mind though as they were FINALLY after 16 years of being together, tying the knot. That was a happy moment for all of us! Most of my life I remember my mother as an industrial painter, although she has had many jobs in her lifetime this one is the one she was most proud of. She painted the King Dome, Seattle Skinner Building, Bill Gate's house, etc. She was a pro and would ten step anyone on how to paint if the topic ever came up. She took pride in her work and being a hard worker. She taught me how important those things are, among many other lessons in life. My mother was probably the most generous person I've ever met, almost to a fault. She was kind to all people and animals. My mother always knew the right words to say to me, even if I didn't want to hear them. She never held back on what she was thinking. I'm pretty sure she passed that trait down to me, as we all know, I have no filter. She taught me how to live and love life through good times and bad, how to stay strong when I'm feeling weak, hold self-confidence and not let it go to my head. She was just the best, and I thank her for all the love she showed me in her lifetime. Although I cannot see or feel her anymore, I know she is right here with me, with all of us in our hearts, and I will miss and honor her forever. It gives me comfort to know that some day we will be together again. Until then she will just have to watch and be there from afar. I will love you momma forever and always. Love, your loving daughter, Rachel AKA Fefe. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Traci's name can be made to the Kitsap Humane Society, http://www.kitsap-humane.org/donate