distant deaths

we had a bit of sad news today. kara's aunt called at about 6 this morning to let us know that kara's sister melani died (in texas). she was in her 50s and had hepatitis; apparently she was a bit of a drinker and her death is not much of a surprise. kara hadn't seen her in many years but they reconnected by phone a couple of years ago. and my mom's best friend also passed away this past week, on tuesday the 15th (in colorado), of complications of copd. her passing also was not a shock, but no less upsetting or cause for reflection.