In Memoriam — A Cousin

I learned earlier this week that one of my dear cousins suddenly passed away. Although her elder brother and I have kept in touch in a variety of ways and through a wide diversity of settings since our childhood, Jennifer was not as well known to me in large part because she was much younger, and she lived in the Golden Horseshoe as part of an extended GTA. However, whenever the clan did get together for an event, and both of us happened to be there, I would point out to all and sundry that she was the spitting image of my Aunt Marion (her mother). Aunt Marion had stature in our clan; as a result so did Jennifer.
Her passing is sad; and, I am deeply sorry for my cousins who have lost a sister. But I am also sorry for the rest of us. While she’s not the first extended family member to cross the Jordan, the earlier one was five decades ago when she was killed as part of target practice by some rebel soldiers in Africa. Jennifer is part of now and her passing tells us that the Grim Reaper is getting close — our mortality is less certain!!
There is a family reunion (the Shand connection) next month — I haven’t gone to an in-person one in decades. This year I will go. I need to let at least some of them know that they have been important facets in my own life’s journey.
You may want to think of doing the same.
g.w.