For the last few months I’ve been going regularly to suburban DC, where my grandmother has been in hospice care in her home. On Tuesday, about half an hour after I got there, my grandmother died after 94 very good years.

It was the second time in twelve months that I’ve been holding a family member’s hand as they died, and while I can’t honestly recommend the experience, I’m again grateful that I was there.

She was a kind, strong, wonderful lady. She was at peace and ready to go, but I and many others will miss her.

After a strange and difficult three days, I come home to find the following waiting for me:

• my family
• squid ink pasta with shrimp, pancetta, and broccolini
• a clear vinyl Asobi Seksu 10” that says “thanks Whitney!” on it (Kickstarter project bonus)