Raining (Reigning?) Bad News

Today, on the seventh anniversary of my dad's death, I am reminded that the last couple of weeks have had a dearth of bad news. From the shocking death of a Fairport grad (who many of our friends/families knew), to the news that Mark's Aunt Mary was diagnosed with lung cancer (luckily, it has not spread and she will sacrifice a lung, which is the "best case" scenario), to the untimely and sudden death of Mark's cousin, John, there just doesn't seem to much good news.

I remain concerned about my dear second mother, Barb Bell, who's battling lung cancer, and we are also bummed by the imminent move of Mark's mom to the DC area. Always in the picture is my mother in the nursing home, and how it might not be the greatest situation but is probably the smartest choice we could have made based on her condition, what's available in the North Country for elder care, and in consideration of her inability to live independently.

Illness, death, loss, the fabric of our lives this July 2010. Beaten down with bad news, that's what we are.

(Of course, always the optimist, I must consider the birth of our niece, Amiele and our new cousin, Paul John [born to Mark's cousin Paula], the fact that our kids are healthy and having a great summer filled with fun activities, and we're both gainfully employed. Stil...)