Charles Ferrell

My Uncle Charles Ferrell died last night. After suffering several weeks with back pain, he was diagnosed last Friday with Stage 4 lung cancer that had metastasized to his bones, neck and spine. It all happened so quickly that minds are still reeling, wondering how this could happen...to him...to my Aunt and cousins.

My heart aches for my Aunt Ellen as she is faced with so much right now. Her burdens will be heavier than they have every been as she buries her sweet husband and has to find the strength to continue to care for her mother-in-law and Uncle Charles' aunt. She has no one to help her now in Florida..to lean on, to comfort her after the dust has settled and the shock wears off. My cousins live on the West Coast, where Aunt Ellen has always longed to return.

In two days Rich and I will be leaving for California to visit our kids. My heart is torn between wanting to be 'there' for my Aunt but knowing I need to be with my children and grandson.  It's too late to change plans but going forward makes me feel so guilty.

Peace