Book excerpt: Tropical storm Tammy offered no mercy. The wind and rain were fierce that dreary afternoon. The funeral was over and the family was meeting for an early dinner to mourn the loss of Michelle's fianc . She told everyone that she would meet them there, she just wanted to run and grab some cigarettes and have a minute alone. While Mom spoke with Michelle on the phone she heard a brief, "Oh no," and then silence. We lost her.