My Dad called me this afternoon to let me know that my Uncle Jack passed away around 5am this morning. While this wasn't a complete shock (he's had a lot of health problems) it was a surprise. He's had several heart bypasses in the past and a few years ago was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He seemed to be doing decently well with the cancer treatments. In the end, it was the cancer that beat him.

Jack is someone I've been around my entire life. I saw him and my Aunt Mitzi (my Dad's sister) all the time when I was growing up. They lived downstairs from my Grandma Eleanor so whenever I saw my Grandma, I would see them as well. He was an amazing, sweet, and loving person. The one thing I will always remember about him are his days in a barbershop quartet.

So, this new year is starting off in a super craptacular way. The one year I'm not able to make it back home for the holidays I lose a family member that I was fairly close to. I wish I could go to the funeral... I would be there in a heartbeat if I was allowed to fly right now. But, I'm not allowed on a plane which is why my Mom came out to visit me for Xmas and I didn't go back home.

So far 2006 sucks. Today especially. I'm trying to keep my mind off things because stress is bad both for my GD and for the baby, but there are times when I'll just break down and cry. I can't help it. I wish I would have been able to see him one last time.