As everyone knows, I come from a family where I was blessed to have 14 brothers and sisters. Now, that was great when we were young. But now that we are ‘more mature’ (that’s a fancy way to say old) we seem to be facing the constant reminders of our mortality more and more often.
I don’t usually take my cell phone into the bedroom with me. I normally get very little sleep each night and I do not need the distraction. Besides, my wife always has hers attached to her hip. But last night, I told my wife that I thought I should keep my phone with me. At 3:35 this morning I received a phone call from my Sister to tell me that my brother had passed away.
Strange, all the things that run through your mind at a time like this.
We are now only 6.
That’s so sad, Jerry. 6 left out of 15. No way of averting death as there is of life. It is the fullness and the memories living on in others which help to come to terms with loss. How odd that was the night you felt the need to keep your phone near you.
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Thank you Roland.
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Jerry,
You have already met a number of losses from what you tell but I am sure that it did not make the loss of this brother any easier. Everyone is different and carries a different imprint in your heart.
Chiming in with Roland, the pain now later becomes the strength as memories comfort and at times amuse.
miriam
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Thank you so much Miriam.
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My condolences, Jerry. I’ve been in this place and it is a hard place.
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Thank you. Even when expected, death still takes us by surprise. My sympathies for your loss as well dear friend.
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My condolences.
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Thank you.
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So sorry. I have three older sisters, the oldest 86. I know the feeling. The fact you thought about the phone on this night shows how connected you were. Take care.
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Thank you for your kindness. Cherish every moment with them. I pray it will be a long time.
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Thank you.
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Sorry for your loss. I have three siblings and two are gone.
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Thank you. My deep sorrow for your loss. We must cherish every moment with the ones we have left.
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I’m so sorry, Jerry. 😦
I’m glad you followed the prompting in your heart and mind and took your phone with you.
You’ve suffered a lot of loss. And I know it never gets easier. But, I know you will recall the good memories of your brother…and smile.
My prayers for you and your family.
(((HUGS))) and ❤ to each of you, too.
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Thank you. Death is inevitable, yet even when expected, it still seems to catch us off guard.
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I am so sorry for your loss. My phone stays by my bed also as I have sisters 82 & 86.
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Thank you. Hug them every chance you get and I pray that it will be a long time before you receive any calls.
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Sorry for your loss. My dad is the youngest of 8, and at 84 he’s the only one left.
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Thank you. Cherish him and write down his stories. That is something I really regret with my father. He was full of interesting tales and now, most of them have faded from my memory.
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He and I have always been close and I do cherish him. I think I will start writing down some of those stories.
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hugs
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Thank you
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So sorry for your loss, Jerry. Last year my aunt died who was the last of the 10 children birthed by my maternal grandmother.
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Thank you and my prayers for your family as well
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Thoughts to you and your family Jerry.
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Thank you
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Thank you Davy. I can remember just before my father died, he told me that he was just getting too tired of seeing everyone he loved die. I now know what he was saying. I could not imagine how I would handle the death of one of my children.
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I know Jerry, it is a horrible thought but one that makes us realise we should squeeze what we can out of every day.
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Thoughts and prayers for you and your family, Jerry. I’m one of nine and do understand.
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Thank you
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I’m so sorry, friend 💐💞
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Thank you.
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My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
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Thank You.
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Jerry, I am oh so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother!!! Even when you know it’s coming, my wife’s late husband had a terminal diagnosis 5 years before passing, it doesn’t make it any easier to deal with when it happens! Wow! Down to 6 says it all. I’m guessing you were at the tail end of the 14?
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! I’m hoping and know that you will have comfort and support from your brothers and sisters!!
Her is a piece I wrote that I hope you will find comforting! This something I wrote for the passing of my neighbor’s spouse.
Bless you, My Friend
Chuck
A FLICKERING SOUL
By Charles Robert Lindholm
He was a candle in the wind
that brightened up
the darkness of the night
with the light he
brought into my life
He warmed my heart
with his flame
as it flickered
and fluttered
inside his soul
and protected me
from the cold
and lonely
winters of life
My days were always
brighter with him
by my side
and for me
the sun could
not compete
with him
A candle in the wind
that flickered
and fluttered
A Flickering Soul
a beautiful flame
that I shall
love forever
Copyright © 2017 Charles Robert Lindholm – All Rights Reserved
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Such a wonderful poem and your words are a comfort in this time. Yes, I am the next to the youngest of my siblings. However, my brother that was just 2 years older than me passed away 2 years ago. The brother that just moved on had a twin sister that died about 6 months ago. They were both just 4 years older than me.
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Wow! Moving toward the top of the pyramid in your family is no fun. I’m second on my Mom and Dad’s side of the family – Yikes!
Glad you were able to enjoy my piece!
Chuck
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I’m so sorry…
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Thank you for the kind words
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