Friday evening at around 11:30 PM, while writing my previous blog of what a wonderful day I’d enjoyed, I learned my 87 year old great aunt, Joyce Clary Riser, died unexpectedly from a brain bleed.

I completed the blog of gratitude through heavy tears. This death smacks harder than anything.

Aunt Joyce was nine years younger than my grandmother, Donna Clary Barmes (1924-1992) and twelve years older than my mother. Aunt Joyce’s daughters, Kim and Debbie, two and six years younger than me, always seemed like bonus sisters rather than first cousins once removed.

I shall follow up a tribute post to Aunt Joyce at a later time. I just do not have the spirit to continue with writing at this time as my heart is terribly heavy.

May a chorus of heavenly angels sing you to your rest, Aunt Joyce. I will always be so grateful for you fun, long conversations, and eternal love.