My father has been digging around in the family records lately and informed me today that Oliver Hardy is my first cousin 3x removed. 

He sent me this story about the end of both Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel's last days.  I found it to be a profound statement about suffering and death. 

On September 12, 1956 - Oliver Hardy suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed (he and Stan Laurel were planning a come-back at the time). He never regained the ability to speak, and required 24-hour care.  His widow, Lucille, was at his side when he died. He is buried in Los Angeles.

Stan Laurel had a stroke in June of 1955, and at the time of Ollie’s death, he was recovering well.

On February 23, 1965 -  Stan Laurel suffered a heart attack and was on his deathbed when he suddenly said “I wish I was skiing.”  His nurse asked “Oh, Mr. Laurel, do you ski?”  Stan said “No, but I’d rather be skiing than doing what I’m doing.”  Then he died.

How cute is this picture of my mom?