1994

When I look back on my life, there have been so, so very many things that I have stored in my mind.  Fortunately, most memories are beautiful and happy, and relatively few are harsh.  But, I must say that 25 years ago.... the year itself was one of the hardest damn times I have ever experienced in my life. 

In 1994, it felt like death hung around every corner.  Here is a partial list of the deaths that came into my life during 1994.  From my manner of thinking, 1994 was the worst year of my life and I hope no year I have left ever approaches the level of grief I felt during that year:

1.  My Father passed away after a brief illness. 

2.  TWO of my favorite Uncles passed away... one after a brief illness, one unexpectedly.

3.  One very close aunt passed away.  

4.  My most important mentor from my days in graduate school developed inoperable cancer and died within that year.  He was my major advisor in graduate school and was a major influence on my and the direction of my academic life.... and he also became and exceptionally important friend as well. 

5.  My young niece, only in her late teens, committed suicide that year.  

6.  A very long-standing family friend (for more than 40 years) passed away from an unexpected heart attack.

7.  One of my very deeply loved pets passed away.

8.  My mother was diagnosed with her first form of cancer that year.

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With another series of NPR stories having played on the radio yesterday on my drive home about the 25th year of the suicide death of Kurt Cobain.... in 1994.... the program washed my mind back to that very horrible year and all the sadness and loss that occurred in my family.

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