Steve

I found out this morning that my cousin Steve passed away. It was expected. He has been diagnosed with three types of cancer including the deadly pancreatic kind.

When that diagnosis came down several months ago, it was impossible to fathom why a nice guy, who worked hard and was near an early retirement, would be slammed with such terrible news.

His wife had been keeping us updated by email. In typical family tradition, her missives were always clear, concise and unwaveringly honest. Not even a whisper of self-pity about them. She always thought about him first.

I don't have any profound summary, no clever overview or indictment of the ways of the Big Man Upstairs. In short, sorrow and emptiness.

My aunt said that, "Even though you expect it, it's still a shock."

I feel numb, stupid, afraid and impossibly sorry for Steve, his wife and family.