He answered and told me my Aunt Liz was found dead. No details were known at the time.
Aunt Liz is my mom's brother's wife. They got married 2 weeks before my parents did. Uncle Pat and Aunt Liz live up in Michigan and have for as long as they've known each other.
This is a really sad passing for many reasons....
Uncle Pat and Aunt Liz have two kids: a son, Patrick, is about my brother's age, and a daughter, Molly, is about my age. Patrick is getting married next month. Molly just had her first baby in March. To think of the two of them going through both of these huge events without their mom makes my heart break. My uncle is the greatest guy. He is caring and loving and attentive and just all around wonderful. I hate for him to have to go through this.... Molly and her husband live in Connecticut and Patrick and his fiance live in California.
The service is going to be Tuesday. My parents are up in Michigan, and I sooooooo want to be there too. It just isn't feasible with Cal and a place to stay and renting a car, etc, etc, etc.... After much discussion with my parents, we decided it would be best if I didn't go. I just hate that I am not there for my cousins and my uncle. I will see them next month at Patrick's wedding, and I am looking forward to hugging them tightly.
Liz was perfectly healthy and this was totally unexpected....
Liz taught for many many many years and just recently retired from the profession. She has a great personality, a smart sense of humor and a ton of friends.
the point of this post is not to be Debbie Downer, but to remind you to kiss you loved ones and tell those you care about how much they mean to you.
Molly, if you read this: I love you so much and I hope you know how much I want to be there for you in person. Please know I am thinking of you non-stop and my heart is hurting for you and for Patrick and for your dad. We all love you guys so much.
Liz with her in-laws, my grandparents:
