Remembering My Brother

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It is ten years ago today that my brother passed away.  He left behind three children.  Their lives are shaped by losing their father so early.  My life has been shaped as well.  I remember it is if it was yesterday.

I received a call at work informing me that my brother was about to pass away.  I rushed to the hospital and arrived in time to see him take his last breath.  I remember being really angry.  I felt like ‘life’ had taken something else away from me.  I said to myself that I just couldn’t do it anymore.  I don’t know exactly what ‘it’ was.

It was at that time in my life that I became a Christian.  I knew that I could no longer live life under my own power.  I am grateful that God has taught me that even though I have suffered a lot of loss, death will not define me.  Rest in peace Rick.

Comments

C. said…
I found your story put quite an imprint on my heart.
My brother passed away almost 3 years ago from pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed in April and gone in June.
I was living in Washington state and he lived in Denver. I did not want to accept the fact that he was dying and by the time I decided I needed to come home to see him, I was too late.
He passed away the morning I was to arrive. I believe he did not want me to see him in his emaciated state. As I flew in to Denver, my disbelief and grief were consuming me.
The day of his service, is the day that I brought God back into my life. I knew I had to keep my feelings aside to help my Mother cope with this loss.
Since that time, I have dealt with the death of my beloved husband of 23 years and I am now the caregiver for my 87 year old Mother who has moderate Alzheimer's Disease.
Each and every day I ask God for his guidance and strength to lead me on my mission. I no longer have anger for my loss, instead I am thankful for the time I had with them.
3:20 AM
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