My dear sweet Aunt Helen passed away Friday. One of her daughters that I've been keeping in contact with called me just a little bit ago. She went in the early morning hours and then they spent most of the day making arrangements - which, with the holiday weekend, made things a bit more complicated.

She was 79 and had been married to my uncle for 61 years. Woah, she was 18 when they married. 5 kids - 4 girls and one boy, several grandkids. Niece loved her to pieces.

Funeral is Monday and I've been told that they'll understand if I don't come, because Monday traffic will be horrendous and I'd have to drive through Atlanta. But if I went down tomorrow, it might not be so bad. Brother is planning to do that. Not that I'll go with him :)

Was talking to Cousin Jeff, who called to reiterate his sister's worry at me driving down on Monday, and he said not to tell Niece today since it was her birthday. When talking to Cousin Dianne, was asked not to tell annoying cousin until *after* the funeral - they don't want her there {g} - and since I'd probably be the one to have to drive her down, I'm happy with that decision.

Such a sweet, sweet lady.