My oldest brother died yesterday. This was a shock for everyone. He was 72 years old- a character if there ever was one. He hid how much his COPD had advanced and was affecting him. He also had later onset diabetes ( requiring insulin).
When he started feeling unwell last week he naturally thought it was a cold virus and rested and dealt with it accordingly but it was influenza which rapidly became pneumonia. Within hours he was intubated and in the ICU. Regardless of all the antibiotics and the multiple machines and lines which were helping his body systems to function it was all too much and he died within four days, never coming out of his heavy sedation/ medical coma.
Don’t wait is what I put in the title of this post. Don’t wait to take care of your health. Don’t wait to get together with family and friends. Don’t wait to take the trip, make the call, hug someone, or prepare or update your will.
When you think you are having a bad day, ask yourself if you woke up in your own home and breathed on your own. If you did, it’s a good day.
Thank you for allowing me to share. Please enjoy the holiday season and appreciate your good fortunes.
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences!
ReplyDeleteso true. We all moved away from Illinois and went back to visit them about once a year. When mom was alone, I went back 2 times. And at the end, I went 3 times. Not enough.
ReplyDeleteMy sincere sympathy on the passing of your brother. I agree, never wait for the right moment. Live life to the fullest and love with every bit of your being.
ReplyDeleteMay your memories of times shared bring you some comfort.
How poignant.... and a good reminder to us all to make the most of every day.
ReplyDeleteMy sincere sympathy to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
OMG, I'm so sorry. Losing your brother is heart wrenching and losing him during Christmas makes it even harder. I lost my older brother years ago. Still miss him. He was only 59... (and he could really make me laugh). I wasn't able to say goodbye or be with him as I had just had surgery myself - and I've always felt guilty about that. Sorry, TMI... but you are right, don't wait. Things happen in the blink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for all of you, Jenn. Wishing you strength to get through these next days. Sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteI know from sad experience that you never
ReplyDeleteforget the pain. Loving photos do help, however.
DeleteMy condolences, Jenn, to you, your brother's family and all your relatives. Such a shock to everyone concerned, so sudden and unexpected. May memories bring some comfort.
ReplyDeleteGosh, to have it happen so quickly and seemingly unexpectedly makes it all the more heartbreaking. But your words are wise and some that we all need to heed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shock. May you always remember the good times and the love.
ReplyDeleteMy greatest sympathy to your and all your family
I am so sorry to hear this Jenn. Rachel x
ReplyDeleteI am so very, very sorry for your loss. Sending love your way.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this. Sending sympathy to you and all your family.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your brother. You are right about not waiting. I lost both my brothers a few years ago. I miss them and regret all the times I could have called or gone to visit them and didn't. Take care. Your tree is beautiful! So is Murphy!
ReplyDelete