“I’m all right, but call me when you get a chance.” Mother, on the phone while I showered. It could have been anything from the cat being run over to a meteorite landing in the yard. It was: Her cousin who is one year younger died this morning. She had severe stomach pains, was operated on and died following surgery. I believe it was an anuerysm. Mother said she had just talked with her last week. Then she said that it seemed like all the cousins were turning 80 and dying and not living into their 90’s as their parents had done.

I don’t even want to speculate about the coming days . . .