Good Morning everyone. My mom's cousin, Lorne died this morning. He was having problem and went in for surgery a little over a month ago. (It might be more, but not much more.) They thought Lorne had a cyst on his liver, but when they "opened him up" they found his body had tumors within it. (Mom said racked with cancer, but I think it was three or so tumors.) Lorne went downhill quickly and last week doctors said they projected he had a week or so to live.

It's ironic, b/c I was thinking about death on my way to work this morning. The radio had an interview with James Riley's mother to get her reaction to the vigil held for her son and the other POWs. Then the radio was talking about how her daughter had just died. I think maybe, God knew the daughter wouldn't live long (she was in a coma as it was) and took her to watch over her brother in Iraq. So, one family's loss may prevent another loss in the same family.

Death is worse for those who live on then those who have gone. (Unless of course you are not lucky enough for Heaven.) Lorne was young, but prepared to go. He made his peace, said his good-byes, and prepared his family for life without him. It is hard and he will be missed. I feel awful for Jim and Carolie (his cousins and close friends), Alice (his wife), and Karen (his daughter) b/c they are suffering, but Lorne is no more. He is in no more pain, no more watching himself fade away. Sometimes, a quick passing in instances like this are more of a blessing than a long one.

There are alot of families feeling the loss of a loved one lately. And most without getting to say good-bye. Please keep all these families, Lorne's family, and ours in your thoughts and prayers.