A Death In The Family · 8:20am Apr 6th, 2020

I am very sad to report that my Uncle Lee's daughter Brandy passed away last night due to complications with MS, leaving behind three children.

I did not know Brandy very well. She was the product of my uncle's first marriage before he met my aunt and had my two cousins. I can remember a few instances of meeting her at their house, and one family vacation we all took together in Disneyland. She was very sweet to me. I can remember that even now, and I was maybe thirteen when I took that vacation. I know the greatest joys of her life were her three children, and that she loved them very much.

My uncle is devastated, as anybody would be. He was planning to visit her in Washington in March but then COVID struck and they couldn't go. I can't imagine how he felt knowing that he couldn't be there when she was on her death bed. I wrote him a letter tonight, expressing how sorry I was for his loss and relaying my own experiences with grieving. He's a pretty relaxed guy. When I visited him in Florida in December, he was all smiles. I really hope he's able to find his smile again, though I know it will be difficult.

I feel terrible for those children, though. They've lost their mother, and that's something nothing can ever replace. I take some comfort in knowing that they knew how much she loved them. They were there at the end, at least. They got to say goodbye. I hope that gives them some peace down the road.

Hearing about that just made me think about my baby girl, and how precious every moment of life is. You better believe after I found out I sent her all the virtual hugs I could. It would have been better if it could have been in person, but due to the 2000 miles between us and social distancing, it's impossible. I can only hope that she knows without a shadow of a doubt how much I love and cherish her.

Friends, today I urge you to hug the members of your household, to call or FaceTime or zoom your family members and friends to tell them you love them. If this pandemic is showing us anything it's that life can be snuffed out quickly, and that it is a gift. Don't take it for granted. Tell the people you love that you love them before you don't have a chance. Anything can happen at anytime. If you love somebody, tell them. If you're scared of doing something, embrace your fear and then conquer it. Life is too short and too precious to waste being afraid.

Rest in peace, Brandy. You will live on in the memories of the lives you touched, and your children will carry your legacy on for you. You will be missed.

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