“There is a sacredness in tears. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love.” ~Washington Irving
Yesterday my brother-in-law died. He went out skating and never came home. He collapsed, was taken to the hospital and they could not bring him back. He was 78 years young. He had some heart problems, but was making progress. Making a comeback. And then gone.
We are all in shock. We are all trying to make sense of moving forward. And while his death has affected so many family and friends, my sister is devastated. I cannot fathom her pain. Her loss. But I do sense it deeply, and I can do very little to take it away. And I would if I could. Believe me.
I can advise her. Listen. And try to be strength when she has little left. Dennis was a light in this darkening world. His infectious eye rolling sarcasm, dry humor with the most dumb jokes will be sorely missed. He had a loud honking laugh that just made you laugh too.
He was a gifted artist with hammers, saw, paint brush and auto tools. He loved to fix, create and build. He has been roller blading and biking for decades. Nothing kept him down for long. I don’t feel him on this earthly plain anymore. But his love will keep moving within us, as we remember him always.
Right now I feel inspired to move forward in my life to do those things I have been putting off. To live my best life as the days and hours are dwindling. I will be 70 in 7 months, and who knows how much time I have left here. But I don’t want to waste any of it. It seems after so much loss this summer and now with Dennis, I feel this stronger than ever.
I am dedicating this little pink rose vase to Dennis and my sister, Karen. It signifies gentleness and an offering of sympathy. It feels so little with such a great loss. This is just the beginning of our non-stop journey with grief that is starting again. We are back on the path that seems to be a spiral throwing us around. Up, down, on, off, laughter and endless, ageless tears.
With this vase, I am linking in with the wonderful meme, In A Vase On Monday, from Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
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So sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing to you and your family always.
Thank you Joyce for your lovely words.
So sorry for your loss. When i light a candle tonight it will be w/ you all in my heart.
Sympathies
Thank you so much!!!
Dear Donna: I am so sorry. Your words and your tribute are wise and true. Peace be with you.<3
Thanks Beth
I am so sorry for your loss, Donna. You wrote a beautiful tribute that really shows who he was. The losses come fast as we age. It is hard to move through loss upon loss. He sounds like a very wonderful man.
Thanks Sherry. I feel the love. Yes he was just a caring loving helpful kind person. A rarity these days. His community of friends is already reaching out to support my sister. Shows how much he was loved.
Donna…
As the waves of grief roll in and out, may they bring you more joyful memories than sad ones. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Dennis sounds like a great guy. ❤️
Thanks Jenni. He really was just a treasure. Much loved.
I’m so sorry for your family’s sudden loss, Donna. They’re difficult even when you know they’re coming but oh so much more tragic when you don’t. I can only offer my deepest condolences. May you and your family find solace and peace in your memories over the coming days.
Thanks so much Kris. Your kind words help.
What a touching post, Donna. I am so sorry that Dennis has died, and my heart goes out to you, your sister and all the family and friends
Thanks Cathy!
I am sorry for your loss. I lost my brother 11 years ago. He was my rock. I have not been the same person since then. Your writing gave me some hope. Yes, we are at the age when you never know how many days we have left. If we only knew back in high school what we know now. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Oh Lorrie I am sorry to hear about your brother. That is a devastating loss. If we only knew back then. Thank you for your support and words.
Oh Donna, I am so sorry Dennis has passed away. This is so sad for you and your family, especially your sister. Your post is a touching tribute to your brother-in-law. My thoughts are with you all.
Thank you so much Cathy! Your support brings us much solace. ❤️
With deepest sympathy for your loss, Donna. One never knows when our time is up and you are right to live each day to its fullest. May Dennis RIP, and you and your family find comfort in your warm memories of him.
Thanks for your warm words Eliza.
Condolences for your deep loss.
Thanks so much Janice.
Donna, I’m very sorry to read about your loss. I’ll certainly be thinking about you and Karen. And yes, we should probably all take a lesson about getting on with the actions relating to the completing, doing, and experiencing of all those things we’ve been putting off.
Thanks Steven. I’m still working on this too. ❤️
Donna, please accept my condolences to you and your family. What a joy to have had this special person in your life. I wish you all peace.
Thanks my friend. He was a special gift.
Donna, I am so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Sending lots of love and hugs during this painful time.
Thanks Mary.