Several weeks ago, I lost my first relative from my uncles/aunts group, my uncle Jim. He was always kind to me and my brother John, and a joyful presence at holidays. I really respected his long-term relationship with my aunt (my dad's sister), and that he (& she) stayed active with sports into their old age.

Anyway, toward the end of his life, I was concerned for him of course, but also for my aunt, his wife and caretaker. While she was dealing with her husband's decline, she was also supporting my father (her brother), who's going through his own pretty severe health issues and transitions. She lives near him, and I'm across the country.

I suppose I'm writing this post b/c I wanted to acknowledge, in an additional way, both the loss and gratitude I've felt, but didn't want to do so super-publicly.