Who do I have to beat up to be acknowledged by my family?

I got this disturbing email this evening from my sister.. Now, this isn't her fault that I didn't know.. But, then again.. I never read the obits anyway..

I had a new cousin!

WERNER VALENTIA PRISCILLA AZELLE
Five weeks old, of Pittsburgh's Friendship neighborhood, died Thursday, October 23, 2008 in her home. She was born on September 15, 2008, in Pittsburgh, the daughter of John Werner and Lisa Porter Werner. Valentia immediately began to fill this world with love, serenity and joy the moment she was born. Valentia loved to feel warm water splash on her face during bath time; she experienced immense pleasure when being read Dr. Seuss's classic, Green Eggs and Ham, as well as the front page of various newspapers. Valentia also enjoyed listening to classical music and was happy taking walks in the park with her "mama", "dada" and "grand mama". Valentia will ALWAYS be treasured, adored and loved. She was only in this world for 38 days, but her parents loved her as if she had always been the center of their lives. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her maternal grandparents William Porter of N. Charleroi and Karen (Filippelli) Porter of Monongahela, paternal grandparents Bernard and Suzanne (Eckenrode) Werner of Moon Twp., and her paternal great-grandfather Clem Eckenrode of Jacksonville, Florida. Aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents Richard and Priscilla (Bane) Porter and Fred Filippelli and Mary (Popp) Filippelli and paternal great-grandparents Charles and Pauline Werner and Jayne Eckenrode. On Monday, October 27, 2008, Father Richard Infante presided over a highly attended christian burial service which celebrated Valentia's life at the Sacred Heart Church, in Shadyside. Committal services and interment by Reverend Bill Bailey were followed at the Monongahela Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Valentia and to keep her spirit alive may be made to the Children Club 1000 Program at www.feedthechildren.org. THE FRYE FUNERAL HOME, Monongahela, was in charge of the arrangements.

Now, I must say, that this wasn't even my sister's family.. I will pray for Lisa and John, and for the infant Valentia.. But I just don't know when I'll be accepted by my own family.. Memory Eternal, little one..

~R