Two members of my extended family just died within a day of each other, against a background of sad circumstances.  I did not know either one personally, but I know how much they meant to their respective families, and how devastating their loss is.  This is just a brief tribute to them, and empathy to those left behind.  May their survivors find some comfort and healing.

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I just want to add, separate and aside, that life is too short to perpetuate the cycle of petty phobias and ignorance which divide and destroy families for generations.  You can’t control everyone or thing, all you can do is resolve to break the cycle in your own life and family, so future generations don’t suffer ostracism, intolerance, or estrangement.