My favorite relative, my uncle Edgel, passed away early this morning. He had melanoma several years ago, which metasticized into his brain. The tumors were inoperable, and although they tried radiation, chemo, gamma knife, and surgery, the cancer spread into his lungs and liver. He has been in a coma for nearly two weeks. He had a "No Heroic Measures" will, and therefore has had no nutrition, nor fluids of any kind. It is just the sheer Harper ruggedness that kept him going this long. There was a song written by an acquaintance of mine and recorded by Pine Mountain Railroad called "Beyond The Rain". He wanted me to sing it at his funeral, and his widow has asked me to do "Amazing Grace" with my guitar as well. It is going to be so difficult, but I will get through it with his help.
He will be sorely missed!