Not the Best Start to the New Year

After a long battle with congestive heart failure and kidney disease, my beloved grandfather passed away on January 5 with my grandmother by his side.  At 6'2" and over 200 lbs, my grandfather was - literally and figuratively - a large presence in my life. His passing has left a large hole.  RIP Grandaddy! We miss you!

My grandfather's death, while painful, was expected. The death of a friend from middle/high school was not. Her death was a senseless act of violence that left five children without a mother, three of whom are still in elementary school. It is beyond heartbreaking. RIP Casey :(
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20140113/ARTICLES/140119899#gsc.tab=0

I'm not very superstitious, but I would be lying if I did not admit I am a little unsettled by age-old saying that "bad things come in 3's."  Sigh.