my fav spaghetti

* sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)
* 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
* 3 -4 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
* 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
* 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
* 2 cups water (for a long period of simmering for flavors to meld. If you don't want to simmer it as long, add less)
* 3 teaspoons basil
* 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
* 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
* 1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
* 1 lb thin spaghetti
* parmesan cheese