my cousin passed away

My cousin, who was hospitalized for a stroke, died last night. His mother has been in the ICU for the past few days, so she doesn't know yet. My parents and I are likely to fly out this afternoon or tomorrow.

unplanned not-fun vacation

I'm spending the night at my parents' house. My plane leaves Boston tomorrow at 7am. I'll be back in the house around 10pm on Sunday. I might just spend Sunday night at my parents' house and go straight to work from there.

I was never too close to this cousin. He was a little scattered, and he didn't take great care of himself. I liked him, though. He was the older cousin with the slightly inappropriate sense of humor. I didn't really get it when I was little, but he was still funny.

Of my aunt's three boys, he is the second to die. She never really got over the loss of the first one, the one who left a wife and five children many years ago -- that one was her favorite, I think. He was shot by a carjacker. She was a vibrant, happy-go-lucky lady before then, but that awful event lowered her eyes. Now she's a weakened old woman, and this second death won't do her any good. That's really what I'm more concerned about.

The family that raised me is getting old and dying. It's been happening for over ten years, really, but it's accelerating now. I've drifted away from them for a long time now, but they always welcome me warmly when I show up. The life I want is here, and my values and beliefs suit New England better than Puerto Rico. As most of you already know, I don't even like to visit the Island. I still feel guilty sometimes, though.

***

I'll see if I can get out in the Sun a bit. I look better in brown than in yellow.