My niece Savannah. This picture was taken the last time I saw her, at the beach visiting my family. Her nana had gotten a little overzealous with the sunscreen. Savannah hated it but she was kind enough to let me snap a photo before sliding off the couch.

She died in her sleep Sunday morning at 15 months old. We are headed to Raleigh now for the funeral.

Thank you to all of my friends who have been so helpful and supportive this week. This is one of the hardest times I’ve been through, made all the worse by what I know but can’t understand: the pain my brother and his wife are in. Savannah was their first child and I can only hope that they will find the strength to continue their young family.

I suppose I really just wanted one last chance to show everyone my beautiful niece, but thank you again to friends and your kind wishes and thoughts for my family.