My grandmother, Clara C. Giacalone, who was born on June 24, 1924, and who had two daughters, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, died this afternoon while I was at Target buying underwear. She was one of my favorite people in the world. I also bought socks, toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and a pen. I did not immediately require any of these items (except maybe the toothpaste for sensitive teeth); I was just killing time, dawdling a bit before going back to the nursing home to be with my grandfather.

The call came when I was in the checkout line. "Welcome to Target. Is that credit or debit? Nana died fifteen minutes ago. Have a nice day."

I have not had a nice day.