Feeling very sad tonight. My Aunt Susie passed away this afternoon. I wasn't prepared for this. Aunt Susie was a pistol!—beautiful, clever, vivacious and full of life. She was the adored baby of the Howard family, sister of my father and my Uncle Bill, who left us only a couple weeks ago. She had the kindest heart, the biggest smile, the most glorious laugh and a wicked sense of humor. Everyone loved Susie. The world is not as warm and bright and fun without her. I couldn't bear the agony she was suffering this past week, but I can hardly bear the thought of her gone from us.

All my aunts and uncles are gone now. I am now the oldest living member of that part of my family.