Sorrow

Another one of my family members has passed away.  This has happened too much this past year.  One of the things I have feared most has started happening - members of my Dad’s generation have begun leaving us.  My Dad is one of 17 children, yes 17.  Fifteen of them lived to adulthood.  Until a few months ago they defied all statistics because all 15 were still alive.  No cancer, no accidents, no heart attacks had gotten them – overall they are a tough group.  When you add in spouses they are a huge group.  A big family like that is hard to imagine but easy to accept and love when you are in the middle of it.  And very hard to say good-bye to.