I am back from vacation.
I did not go to some exotic resort or any place fun.
Within less than a week I lost 3 family members who were dear to me.
My husband's younger brother died. He had been ill for a long time. He was the last of the siblings in the family.
He was as much a brother to me as my brothers with whom I shared parents. He left his wife, seven children, and a number of grandchildren.
Then a niece's husband suffered a massive brain hemorrhage. He was a registered nurse and highly admired by many people.
The doctors told my niece immediately that they did not expect him to live. Modern medicine helped him live in a coma for a short time. My niece, her children, and grandchildren are devastated.
The only cousin I had who was my age died. She had a few medical problems as we do as we age. Left behind is her husband who is not well and a house full of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
I needed that time to deal with the knowledge they are gone. I am not looking for sympathy here. Our lives move on. I just wanted to let you know why I was gone. I am back now.