A Tragic End

I awoke to the news today that my grandfather's sister (my grandfather has been dead since 1996), who is almost 94, and her 66 year old daughter are dead. Apparently, the daughter who for all intents and purposes is an invalid set fire to the trailer, trying to smoke while using medical oxygen, and both she and her mother perished. My grandmother was obviously shaken and while I was not particularly close to either my grandfather's sister or her daughter it is shocking and sad nonetheless.

My grandfather's sister has been taking care of her daughter for years. She has had a host of physical and mental problems that have rendered her helpless. They have hired occasional help but most of the day to day care taking fell in the lap of my grandfather's sister, which has been stressful to say the least. Recently, they had planned to put the 66 year old daughter into a care facility, even though she has been kicked out of every one she has been in for a variety of reasons.

I just think if you live almost 94 years, this is just such a tragic and senseless way to die. Any loss of life, especially through accidental means, is tragic. We were hoping that she had lost consciousness and died of smoke inhalation, but later found out she was the one who had called 911, so she knew she was probably going to die. A very sad and tragic end.