Thursday, April 29, 2010

Remembering Billy

This past week is a perfect example of you never know what is going to happen. Last weekend before I left for Missoula my sister let me know that our brother Billy had just had triple bypass open heart surgery.  He had come through the surgery fine and that he had moved to Schenectady New York.  My brother didn't keep in contact with his family at all.  It was a choice he had made for some unknown reason.  So it wasn't that much of surprise that no one knew he lived there.

Yesterday I got an email from my brother Tom saying that Billy had come home from the hospital and that he had died in his sleep that night.  He was 64, much too young. My day has been filled with shock and disbelief.  Dave came home from work to be with me which was nice but I was ok.  I seem to be rerunning all those childhood scenes with him in my mind.  Just celebrating the man he was or perhaps the man he let me see. Although I had not seen him in a long time I will miss him.

14 comments:

  1. I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, Kate. Families can be so complicated and challenging sometimes. I hope you find comfort and peace in your memories of him.
    Big Love to you.

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  2. This is so sad. I am sorry that Billy did not choose to be in your life in his latter years. What a loss for him (and for you too).
    I'm sending some hugs your way for all the mix of feelings you are having after receiving this news.

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  3. In the end, family remains family no matter what.
    I am very sorry for your loss. I think that celebrating the man he was (to you) is a good way to deal with this situation.
    Hugs,
    Sophie

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  4. Ohh Kate..I am so sorry. I know all too well about families not keeping in touch. My heart is with you. Peace ,my Sister.

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  5. I'm so sorry Kate. What a shock. Life changes quickly sometimes, doesn't it?

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  6. oh, kate! i'm glad you're doing well, and your dad and family will be in my thoughts.

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  7. I am so sorry Kate. Be gentle with yourself as the grieving may change and go through cycles and dreams and thoughts and processing, etc. I am very, very sorry.

    I know that estrangement is such a hard thing. I too am estranged from my biological family and Chani was too. I know that so many questions may be unanswered forever.

    Life can change in an instant...and losing someone makes you really feel that keenly.

    My thoughts will be with you, Kate.

    Love,

    O

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  8. I'm so sorry, Kate. It's never easy losing a family member. I hope your memories of those early years together bring you comfort. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  9. I'm so sorry for your loss Kate. I'll be thinking of you.

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  10. Kate I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts. Love Hugs and Blessings

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  11. My sincere condolences, Kate. My oldest sister ostracised herself from all the family many years ago so I understand the pain and sadness you must feel. It's unfortunate and very sad that he passed with circumstances being as they were but remembering the good times is the best thing you can do to honour your brother's memory. xo

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  12. Thinking of you and sending you love. May his soul rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.

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  13. Kate, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I've not been using the computer much lately and am really behind. Much love to you and a big hug.

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  14. I just now saw this Kate, I am so sorry. I didn't even know you had any brothers. Sincerest condolences!
    XO

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