RIP Eugene "Nuf" Hughes

This week has been a sad one for us.  We received news that my grandmother went into the hospital and has some pretty advanced cancerous tumors, and we received news that Matt's Cousin had passed away.

Grandma has fairly advanced alzheimers/dementia and doesn't really understand it all, but cannot physically withstand much of any treatment at this point.  They will keep her as comfortable as they can for the time she has left.  I am sad beyond words, but so thankful for the years we had together.  It is a blessing that she was able to see her kids, grandkids, and even great grandkids before her mind faded and her body weakened.  One of my favorite pics was when she first got to meet Baby Shaun and she couldn't take her eyes off of him to look at the camera.

Matt's cousin Eugene died suddenly this week.  He found himself sick and weak, and decided to go to the hospital.  While there - an artery in his heart suddenly burst and he was gone.  Just like that - in an instant.
He leaves behind his wife Kathleen, and beautiful, strong boys Thomas and Patrick.  It tears me up that they lost their father so young, they are only 16 and 14 years old.  Matt is headed to New Jersey today to be with his family and provide whatever warmth or distraction he can for their pain.  They will celebrate the wonderful, warm, generous, and fun man Nuf was to so many.  He was loved by so many, the services are sure to be packed.  He will be remembered, celebrated, and missed. 
My memories are of him playing tour guide for us in NYC when we visited in 2006.  Shaun was 2 and Ainsley was still incubating in my big round tummy.

When it all quiets down, and the friends, extended family, neighbors and others leave - please, say your prayers for these brave boys and their mother to find the strength to go on, for and with each other, despite their surely broken hearts.

Then - go and hug your husband, wife, and kids.  Tell them you adore them, because life can change in an instant.