Lost a Brother Today

[Charlie B53]

Little Sister called me a few hours ago. Seems one of our Brothers, the one just before me (the #2) was at the VA Hospital Seattle this morning for minor surgery to remove some possibly pre-cancerous tumors in his chest.  His #2 Daughter and #3 Son had driven him over from Yakima for this 'Same Day' surgery.  May have had another massive heart attack as he passed away prior to even beginning surgery.  His #1 Dau has already flown up from CA and tells me that the VA will do the autopsy and provide cremation after harvesting at least the corneas, possibly more.

Conrad had a massive heart attack a few years ago.  We almost lost him then except the Dr's installed some sort of heart-assist balloon in his aorta that inflated immediately after every heart beat to assist in pushing the blood along.  He has never been the same since.  Never regained much of any strength or energy.

This sucks.  I am the one of the 4 of us boys that has most of the medical problems.  I always thought that it would be me.  I guess God has something for me to do yet.

No services planned other than immediate family has gotten together there.  Still not sure yet if any type of even semi-formal service will be held.  Cost is always a factor.  Funeral services are a racket. Most families are not thinking well and don't really take much time to 'shop' and compare costs, expenses, they just want to get it done, and get raped financially.  A dear old lady friend recently passed.  The local parlor charged her Daughter $8,000 for embalming and preparation, simple viewing services, no graveside.  With the casket, concrete crypt, 'opening and closing', it was slightly over $42,000.  Wife and I both decided to be cremated within 24 hours, no embalming required.

I have Dialysis treatments I cannot miss, also living on Social Security it isn't really an easy thing to just take off and be there.  I've talked with most everyone already.

[smartcookie]

I am so sorry, Charlie!  I will keep you and your family in my prayers. 

[kickingandscreaming]

Very sorry for your loss, Charlie.  It's always sobering to lose a sibling.

[iolaire]

Sorry for your loss.

[Rerun]

Charlie, I am so sorry for your loss.  The SMOKE from the wildfires here in WA are horrible.  None of us are breathing clean air and our hearts are struggling.  I wonder if that had anything to do with your brother's health.  I'm so sorry.  Prayers to your and your family.

 

[justagirl2325]

Sorry for you loss Charlie.

[Xplantdad]

So Sorry for your loss Charlie. Losing a family member just stinks


I just had to be an advocate for our next door neighbor (whose relative passed away). The local Funeral home/cemetery proceeded to "rape" them as well.  Two days later (with clear minds) they asked to cancel and rethink the whole deal. The place said no.

I read all of the contracts and saw that there was a 7 day cancellation clause. I went with them/recorded the meeting and asked them to cancel...and without any issues they cancelled.

Amazing....

[cassandra]

I'm sorry for your loss Charlie

Lots of love, and stay strong, Cas



   

[kristina]

Dear Charlie,
Words seem so inadequate but I am truly sorry for your loss
and I send you my sincere condolences.
Thinking of you at this sad time,
Kristina.

[Jean]

So sorry for your loss Charlie.Just as an aside, there is a "legitimate" company which will come and take the body, use it for instruction, cremate it and return it to the family for absolutely free, no charge. They are very respectful of the family and the deceased. Hubby and I are already signed up. Science Care.com. Just write it down and look it up when you are feeling like it. They will take any one except those who pass due to Hep C

Not much fun talking about your own demise. Again, so sorry for your loss.

[OldKritter]

I'm sorry for your loss

[SooMK]

I'm so sorry Charlie.

I hear you about the funeral industry. There are groups pushing back on this model offering different options. But that means they have to be researched before there is a need for them. Not many people have the heart to do this at the time it's needed.

[Michael Murphy]

There is not much one can say to ease the pain caused by the passing of a family member.  You and your family are in my prayers. 

[Charlie B53]

I was reading when I  got the call.  I was on the very LAST PAGE of the book '90 Minutes In Heaven'.  I am not worried about Him one bit.  Acually I am quite relieved of his passing for he is no longer suffering with a disabled body, he is restored and healthy again.

Not this book but from many of the others I have studied I know that we will all be together once again, healthy capable, and joyous.  Even those of us that have not found redemption during this life and have to spend some time in purgatory, all will one day be ultimately forgiven and rejoice together with our Maker once He again conquers the Devil, unchains and throws him into the pit forever.

[PrimeTimer]

Sorry for your loss, Charlie. Losing a loved one is the hardest. Sometimes our faith is tested. Mine sure has been, many a time. And especially these days but that's another story. I try to think like you, that our loved ones are now at peace and happy and "restored". That is a very good way of describing it. "Restored". Some of the loved ones I have lost have come to me in the form of dreams. In these dreams they speak to me and in other dreams they are just "there". They look the best they've ever looked and seem very happy. Some are excited and want me to know they are in a wonderful place. Sometimes they have even asked me to join them but I tell them "not yet". I try to believe them, tho about "this wonderful place". Once dreamt of a loved one who had passed. She was standing alone somewhere and when she turned around to see "who was coming", she smiled real big and said, "Oh, it's you!". And then there was three of them, all had passed, standing together all happy and smiling. I woke up from that dream feeling good about it. So yes, we can find peace in that and I hope you do. 

[kitkatz]

The news of your loss is heart wrenching.  Love to your family and yourself during this trying time.

[Vt Big Rig]

Sorry for your loss, Charlie