Real Life

From time to time life becomes real. Its not our normal 'busy' lives. Its not work. Its not school. For me, one of those moments was August 19. It was Landry's first day of school, but that is not what I am talking about. I returned to work at 4:15 after leaving to pick up Landry from his first day. Shortly after returning (4:20) I received a text from my mom. It said "Call me now."

That is not normal, so I called immediately. She told me that Diana had quit breathing today. Diana is my Aunt. She is the wife of my mom's brother. She is 51 and I was shocked. I got in my car and drove to Alexandria where she was being airlifted to Rapides Regional. Shortly after arriving we discovered she had not made it. My heart was broken. It was broken for my uncle. It was broken for my cousins, Brandi and Chance. And it was broken for me. Brandi and I are 5 months apart in age and as children we were more like brother and sister. Our family is close and Aunt Diana was an important part. I cannot imagine what Brandi, Chance and my Uncle Rick must have felt and be feeling. My prayers are with them and ask that yours be too. On August 23 we buried my aunt. Uncle Rick spoke at the funeral, an amazing feat given the circumstances. It was very touching and even funny at times. Brandi spoke and it was obvious that her heart was breaking. The whole scene was so surreal. It still feels that way. Aunt Diana was a caring person. She cared for animals and she cared for her family. Every time we saw her she always hugged us. She will be missed. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers, particularly Rick, Brandi, and Chance. Thank you.