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My only brother is gone. He died this afternoon from a heart attack. He was home alone. His daughter and her partner came home tonight and found him. His wife just died in September from a long battle with cancer. I am feeling so sad for his daughter, Karen, and her brother, Kevin — to have to go through this so soon again.
This is a favorite picture of him when he was growing up. I often think of him looking like this. He had lots of freckles and reddish hair and a temper to match.
Frank was smack in the middle of four sisters. I think it was a difficult place to be.
Here are three of us.
Then there were four of us:
Then, five.
Here are the five of us all grown up, taken a few years ago at a nephew’s wedding:
It has been therapeutic for me to go through old family pictures, looking for Frank, as if to prove that he was really here. Losing a sibling is different from losing a parent. Probably because you are forced to think about your own mortality.
My sister’s think he may have been ready to go because he was lonely, but I think he had a zest for life and would have preferred more years with his children and grandchild.
We will be flying to Syracuse on Sunday or Monday to join my sisters and Frank’s children to say a final good-bye to him.
Gerrie
My heartfelt sympathy — and warm thoughts as you travel to be with your family during this time.
Gerrie, I’m just catching up with my fav. blogs. I am sorry indeed for this news. Love to you and yours and a wish for peace.
i’m so sorry gerrie.. sending you warm cyber hugs. we just lost one of our best friends, adn the night he died i did the same thing…started going thru old pictures..it was so wonderful to relive old memories…brought soem to his family and they were unbelievably appreciative…my deepest condolences to you and your family.
My deepest condolences, Gerrie. What a shock this must have been. My heart goes out to you and your family. Travel safely, my friend.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Gerrie. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Take care and have a safe trip to Syracuse.
My condolences on the sudden loss of your brother. My mom is the only girl in the middle of 4 brothers — so your description of him caught my eye. Safe travels home.
i am so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Gerrie. You and yours have my sincere condolences.
Oh Gerrie, I am so sorry. Losing anyone you love is always so hard, but to lose your only brother. He must have been a hell of a guy after having you and the other three picking on him all these years!!
I think I had better call Kath and David to say hi.
Love ya buddie,
teri
Oh, Gerrie, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I’m glad you were able to spend some time with family photos to remember him. You’re in my thoughts.
That is a lot for one family to go through in one year. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your family. But what a lovely post of rememberance.
I’m so sorry for you and your family. Will keep you all in my thoughts.
My condolances to you and your family. Family photos are a great way to help heal the heart.
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Take care, Cory
Our thoughts are with you, Gerrie, and our prayers.
I’m so sorry Gerrie. Safe journey next week. I’m keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
((((((((Gerry)))))))))
I’m so sorry for your loss….
I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your only brother. Having lost a brother at a young age, I can relate to what you are going through.
Gerrie, I’m sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. I hope that time and faith will bring you peace.
p.s. I adore the pictures…especially the one of Frank alone…what a great sweater he is wearing!
Gerrie, I am so sorry to read of your great loss of your dear brother Frank. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. With big, warm hugs,
Judy
I am sorry for your loss…
What sweet pictures. I think I will call my brother tomorrow just to let him know I love him– (which will probably totally freak him out!)
Take care of yourself–sounds like another sad journey.
Love, Terry
I’m so sorry for you, and your family’s, loss. I hope that your trip to Syracuse is filled with more love and good memories than sad ones.
I am de-lurking to offer my condolances. I am so sorry for your loss. Peace to you and your family.
Gerrie,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I hope the sweet memories will help you through this difficult time. Sending you a big hug. Jeannie
my sympathies Gerrie, he looked to be a wonderful guy. I haven;t stop by in a long while, and was doing so to link to you in reference ot the kim family auction…so the synchronicity is strong. Safe travels and prayers for his family.
Deepest sympathy Gerrie!
I send lots of cyber {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, prayers and will keep you & your family in my thoughts.
Keep all those GREAT memories!