As I was looking forward to the late night tonight and the first kisses and hugs of the year from family, I got a phone call from my aunt saying that not only my favorite great-uncle, but also my granddaddy are in the hospital.

The great-uncle is marking time. Big Daddy gave a big scare last night, but is doing a little better this morning.

"What you do on the New Year's Day is what you'll be doing the rest of the year". That's what Nanny used to say and my mama. I've found over the years that it is only partially true. The sucky New Year ends on a much brighter note and vice versa. I dislike the notion that I might be spending a big part of my year grieving. Not my favorite way to spend time.

So I will now be sitting on pins and needles most of the day by the phone waiting to hear updates and dreading the call that I pick up the phone and hear my mama or aunt crying. I'll know then. Thankfully, my boys are grown or next thing to it and my baby girl is old enough to understand. They all know about, have been through, and mostly understand the grieving process. That's usually the hardest part with kids in my experience.