Goodbye, and goodbye

I guess it's the year for loss in my family. About two weeks ago, my aunt's husband passed away. My aunt had left my uncle to marry this guy, and they had a son together when my aunt was 45 years old. In spite of myself, I really liked the guy a lot. He was warm, funny, and he adored my aunt. He died of severe emphysema, leaving behind my aunt and their 6 year old son.

This morning, my grandmother's companion passed away as well. J.D. was a riotous old man who'd done a little of everything. I adored him without reserve, and I can give him the highest praise I know: he made a difference in more lives than I can count, and left the world an infinitely better place. He was in his nineties, and has brought light and joy to our family for many years now.

Rest well, gentlemen. May the joy you left on this earth be your blessings in whatever you go to next.