I spent today getting ready for the arrival of my family. A brother is flying in tomorrow, a sister driving in on Thursday. Sadly it’s not a happy family reunion. My uncle, whose home I’ve stayed in many nights while a student, is gravely ill and we’ve been told it will only be hours, perhaps days before the inevitable occurs. Of course we heard that several days ago and he’s still actively engaged in conversation with his visitors. As usual, he is making predictions seem foolish; as a physicist he has always enjoyed proving assumptions wrong. And he’s doing it again now. If you can, say a little prayer for the family’s strength. I think we’re going to need it. Thanks.