The Last Sister

10:40 pm

That was the time at which the nursing home called my dad to tell him that his aunt had died tonight.

We've been waiting for this phone call for about a month. I know that sounds terrible, but it's true. After the first time my great-aunt was rushed to the hospital in late January, it was very clear to everyone that the inevitable was close at hand. She was in bad shape then, and it was only going to get worse. My dad went to see her today. I'm not sure if she knew who he was, because lately she's been unable to recognize anyone. Maybe she didn't even know he was there, because she hasn't been able to open her eyes either. But at least he got to see her.

She was my grandmother's last surviving true sister. It's a complicated story, one that I'm fully intending to write. My family has a really interesting history. I've been thinking quite a bit about that, and about life and death. The idea of writing a story around this experience seemed appropriate. Even as I write this, I'm finding it kind of difficult to articulate my thoughts because there is such a huge backstory.

Right now, my dad is e-mailing the cousins to let them know. I guess the family will be reuniting again soon.

"Far away from the memories of the people who care if I live or die"