A mother's feelings I do not know.

Today, a mother grieves.

Today, an entire family grieves for the loss of a family member.  A family member whose life contained, bottled and capped much love for his clan.  I am sad.  Very, very sad.  I cannot relate to how my aunt feels and pray that I never can relate.   Because, since becoming a mother my life has changed drastically and immeasurably and now I know what it means to love without condition.  To lose that love, to lose a son would send me into an unforgivable maelstrom of grief and despair, into which rescue would not be possible. 

To my aunt:  You are loved beyond words by a very loyal and loving family.  And even though I'm not there to share in the grief physically and collectively with the family, please know that 2,000 miles away the sadness for the loss of Robert is felt.
And I would swear there's an extra star in the sky now. 
Love you.