Today I would like to stray from my normal animal advocacy blog to pay tribute to two relatives of mine who died since last Wednesday.
Words seem to fail me to express the emotions I feel except to say there is numbness and shock I feel by their untimely deaths.
I come from a large extended family which includes many aunts, uncles and cousins. Many of my relatives are much older than me. That does not make the pain of their deaths any less severe.
Terry, my cousin, lost his battle with a rare form of cancer last Wednesday. My uncle Carl, had a mini-stroke followed by a massive stroke early yesterday morning in which he never regained consciousness and was declared brain-dead late yesterday afternoon.
I spent all day in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with Carl while my brother, Tom and his wife, Kerri, and my husband waited patiently for the doctors and nurses to run all types of tests to make sure Carl had no brain activity.
I don’t understand. On Sunday, Carl appeared fine and actually had a clean bill of health last week during a physical and now he’s gone. How does one go from appearing fine ,and out of the blue, you’re brain dead? The only consolation I have is that Carl did not suffer and did not experience pain of any kind.
I think he would be glad to know that his kidneys and liver may be harvested to used as a “gift of life” for someone else.
Trying to make sense out of two deaths in one week is extremely hard for me to comprehend. Therefore, I believe it is best for me to shut down my feelings until I am better able to cope with their deaths.
Terry, my cousin, knew he was dying. He fought such a brave fight against a rare form of cancer. Terry and Carl were polar opposites and yet had a very similar trait.
Terry was a lively,animated man who had a hearty laugh and big heart. Carl, on the other hand was a reserved, quiet man. However both of them were good people who would not hurt anyone.
Such a terrible loss in less than a week. It makes you realize that you must make every day count and do what you can to make a difference in this world while you’re here.
As I was speaking to one of the nurses yesterday about an unexpected and sudden death which they see on a regular basis, one has to realize you never know what any day can bring.
Make every day count. And live your life’s purpose.
Terry and Carl……….I will miss you. I already do……..I’m still trying to make sense out of these tragedies. Don’t know if I ever will. Rest in Peace…..