Loss

The reason I have been avoiding my blog is that I have been avoiding writing this. Loss. Our family has suffered some tremendous loss recently. In the span of about 6 weeks, we lost two very close friends and my grandmother. The only death that was "expected" has certainly been the most difficult.

On June 22, my mom's longtime friend, Andy, died unexpectedly. He was like an uncle to us, forever present in my grandparents' home back when it really was the family hub. He was one of the smartest people I have ever known and a fucking cruiser. He didn't care about money or success or political correctness. He drove a rusty old Nova, smoked and ate whatever the hell he wanted. I'm pretty sure he had read every book ever worth reading. He knew everything there was to know about music. If you knew him, he was your fantasy phone-a-friend lifeline. I recently attended his memorial service. The room was filled with old friends and family all sharing the same kind of sentiments but I was most impressed by the presence of his second grade teacher. She was not someone he stayed in contact with. She just happened upon his obituary and felt compelled to honor his life. He was that kind of guy. He will be missed. Cruise on, Andy.

On July 1, we knew it was coming but we all hoped for a miracle. Wesley, the son of my mom's best friend, lost his battle with Leukemia. He was only 32. He was larger than life. He was just weeks away from getting a bone marrow transplant after finally finding a donor when his cancer returned with a vengeance. He had so much life left to live. A woman to be loved and wed. Children and grandchildren to be had. A niece and a nephew to watch grow. He wasn't supposed to die, dammit. Although I am thankful that he is no longer suffering, he has left a hole in our hearts. In his honor, I have registered to be a bone marrow donor. Please do the same. Rest in Peace, Big Man.

Lastly, just a few short days after I had last seen her, my Granny passed away. Although she was aged and ailed, she did not have any acute illness and her death was unexpected. The kids and I went to visit her on the last day of our vacation. I had just loaded my camera with batteries but I never pulled in out. Oh, how I wish I had. I never imagined that would be the last time we got to visit. I would have spent more time. I would have asked for her stuffing recipe! Grandma had a good life. She made some good kids and grandkids. We will miss her. Rest in Peace, Granny.

I traveled back to CA without the kids for Grandma's funeral. Although it was a sad time for our family, it was great to see all of my Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. We laughed so hard all day, and into the night. Granny would have loved it.

Grandma's Kids

All of my cousins




Dayna, Me, Jillyin and Brooke

Me and Peg

Dayna and Nancy

Mom and Nick