My Sister in Law died Saturday.
Saturday evening sometime around 7pm the ER doc called from Lexington, KY and said Tracey was dead. She'd called 911 in the afternoon and asked for an ambulance, was awake when they got there, and her heart stopped en route to the hospital. They attempted to revive her and the attempts failed. She just turned 51 on May Fifteenth.
Tracey was an archaeologist and had enjoyed a pretty amazing career, having worked on projects all over the US and the South Pacific. She'd co-authored several articles and was respected and liked by her co-workers. She was (more important, I feel) a witty wonderful woman who was never unkind in all the years I have known her. She self ID'd as a progressive Christian and was truly accepting of all traditions with the attitude of "be excellent to each other."
Our family has been carried by friends--both in person and online. Their love and support have been a huge help to us all in the last couple days, and it has meant more than mere words can express. We are beginning to come to terms with this, but it is gonna take some time.
I will miss her humor and her gentle soul. She really was a gift to the world.
I posted this on Facebook, but I want to share it here as well:
Requiem
And ye shall say these words.....
I will love and harm none.
I will live , love, die and live again.
I will meet, remember, know,
and embrace once more.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you
Deep peace to you, deep peace to you
Laura
= new reply since forum marked as read
that's too young for anyone to die. Her talents will be missed. May you find comfort in your memories together. 
Sounds like Tracey was an exceptional woman. Peace and comfort to you and your family. Rest In Peace Tracey.
My sympathy for your loss. She sounds like a lovely person and I'm sure she will be missed by everyone. Lovely Requiem, too.
Last edited Tue May 29, 2012, 10:46 AM - Edit history (1)
healing light and deep peace to you and your family, Laura.
This is the 3rd or 4th unexpected young death now that I've read of in a matter of weeks. All lived rich, rich lives and I guess finished their work here.
It sounds like your sil is an amazing soul. What a beautiful, beautiful Requiem for her. Did you write this?
I will keep them both by my bedside. They are also great words to live and meditate to.
It always does seem to be the best people who leave too soon, leave us wanting more time with them....
I can only offer my thoughts, prayers and energy to help you and yours heal
Must be tough on you and your family.
Too young, so very sad.