My mom just called. My uncle is dying.
He's been in the hospital since the beginning of November. He was diagnosed with lung and throat cancer this fall. They did surgery in early November and he never recovered. He (and my aunt) have lived a hard life, chain smoking and they're both alcoholics.
I feel so bad for my dad. This is his only brother. And my grandma passed away in July. So this has been an awful year for him.
Also, my heart is breaking for my cousin. We were very close as kids. We grew up going to my grandma's together for Sunday dinner and spending almost all holidays together.
My parents have had their issues with my uncle and aunt because of the way they lived their lives and by extension myself because of what I know, but I am just so sad. I have some really great memories of my uncle from growing up, before I realized how messed up his life was. I loved him so much. This is hitting me so hard.