One issue with achieving advanced age is the loss of those you know. Today, I learned by sister died after a long series of health issues. She suffered from kidney failure along with severe circulation problems and her health had been failing for the last few years. She was 69.
It leaves my brother and me as the remnants of the family of my youth. My brother had been her caregiver for the last few years, and in many ways I am conflicted as her passing allows him to enjoy the remaining l time he has with more freedom of action.
We are booked on a NYC bound plane Tuesday and expect a few days of familial group process, seeing people and places I have not seen in a while and saying and hearing the usual things we say when confronted by the great mystery.
I am flying United Airlines, hoping my million mile flyer status still means something. See you all in a few days.
My condolences, TKC. Hope all goes well in New York.
Sorry for your loss. One of the unfortunate consequences of getting older is losing people from our lives.
I am very sorry to hear about your sister, TKC. We’re all close when we’re young — were you close later in life?
My condolences on the death of your sister. 69 is a young age these days, but it doesn’t sound like her last times were exactly fun. Still hard.
Thank you all for your kind words. See you in a few days.
TKC; I’ve shared an annus horribilis with you as well as I’ve lost a father and two of my best friends (my uncles).
The worst part of losing those I loved is I can’t stop reaching for the phone to discuss news or a scrap of family gossip or a great new book.
I’d advise you to stay as busy as you can with your immediate family. It helps.
x,o, Liz
Very sorry TKC1101. May she rest in His warm embrace.
Death hits us all differently with our time of life and how we are connected. I was surprised the first time I felt joy in the passing of a good friend. It came after the realization that it was right and proper after a long life to continue the journey.
I also have had the strange experience of the passing of my brother October 20th and my father-in-law November 13th of the same year. It was the second time that two important people in my life died within a month. When I think of my brother I smile. Because one cannot remember his life of love and caring in any other way. Father-in-law ditto.
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The Japanese church I go to has a grave stone that has Philippians 1:3.
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Php 1:3). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
This is how I try to remember them.
TKC, if it is not too much trouble please share some great memories with us.
I’m so very sorry, TKC, and will pray for her soul today. Also will pray for your brother, as the loss is often very hard for caretakers.
My condolences as well, TKC.