Lost a brother

[WV Sawmiller]

   Got word this afternoon my 66 y/o brother died in a hospital in Pensacola today. I took my mom home after a 3 week visit to a family reunion in Atlanta yesterday and my younger brother met us there who took her home to NW Fla afterwards. At the reunion he got the message from our SIL our brother was admitted Friday. He had lung cancer 7-8 years ago but all indications were he had beat it. He passed out a month ago in a store and they could not find any cause. Friday he got jaundiced and went to the clinic, they sent him to the ER who admitted him. I talked to him this morning and he sounded normal but had to leave for a CT. I called him back in the afternoon and he was real woozy and talking about sepsis. Evidently (I'm guess at this stage as no confirmation) that his organs had shut down and poisoned him in the process.

   My big concern is for our 86 y/o mom as it will be especially hard on her.

[sandsawmill14]

i am so sorry for you lose  :( and will keep you and your mom  in my prayers :(

[LeeB]

I am truly sorry for your loss. I think for me, loosing a sibling was harder than the loss of my parents.

[thecfarm]

Too young to hear that has happened.

[Roger2561]

My condolences, sympathies and prayers for you and your family.  Roger

[Dan_Shade]

Please accept my condolences

[Seaman]

Sorry to hear, it will be real hard on Mom.
Frank

[coxy]

sorry for your loss

[Chuck White]

Always sad to hear such news!

Prayers for you and the family for strength at this trying time!

[bucknwfl]

Mr green, sorry to hear. We will be praying for your family

Buck

[Savannahdan]

I'm sorry for your loss and we'll keep you and your family in our prayers.

[Jeff]

So sorry to hear. Having lost a sister, I know it's a tough time.

[WV Sawmiller]

   Thx for all your thoughts and prayers. I'll probably be off the site for the next few days. Stay safe. Come up to Hinton WV for the Railroad Days Festivities this Saturday and Sunday if you are in the area and get the chance. Go on down to Talcott and see John Henry while you are at it.

[Magicman]

I am so sorry and offer my sincerest condolences to you and your entire family.

[sandhills]

Very sorry to hear this, thoughts and prayers from here as well.

[Jim_Rogers]

Sorry for your loss.

[barbender]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

[Roxie]

My sincerest sympathy for your loss.  I always wish there was more I could say or offer at times like this, but my heart goes out to you and your family. 

[gspren]

   So sorry for your loss. Your mom just lost a son which is extra hard, be there for her.

[Autocar]

Sorry to hear about your brother, we will keep you and your family in our prayers

[samandothers]

So sorry for your loss.  It would be hard loosing a sibling. 

[Den Socling]

This is very sad news. You and your family will be in our thoughts. I hope your mother can handle the loss.

[timberlinetree]

Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

[Czech_Made]

I am truly sorry for your loss.

[DeerMeadowFarm]

Sorry for your loss....

[ppine]

The only cure for Birth and Death,
Is to enjoy the Interval.

George Santayana

[thechknhwk]

My condolences. :(

[WDH]

Howard,

So sad to hear this.  Thinking of you. 

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

My prayers are with you Howard and your Mother.

[kensfarm]

I'm very sorry you lost your brother.. God bless your family. 

[buzywoodliff]

Sorry to hear.... Prayers for all of you from Michigan

[David Freed]

Sorry for your loss. We'll be praying for you.

[yukon cornelius]

sorry for your loss! our family will be praying for you all.

[Bill Gaiche]

Sorry for your loss, and may your mother endure this painful day. bg

[plowboyswr]

Can't say anything that hasn't been said, but will send my prayers  for you and yours.

[WV Sawmiller]

   Thanks to all. We had the funeral yesterday. I was reminded of common courtesy in the rural areas as we drove from the funeral home to the cemetery and even on-coming traffic on the other side of a divided highway pulled off the highway to show respect. I think most states no longer require this but people around where I grew up still do. Also since we crossed county lines the Santa Rosa county deputy led us out then handed off to his Escambia County counterpart at the river/county line and he stood there with his hat off till we passed.

   It took so long for my family to get the funeral scheduled I decided we must have African ancestors as when I worked over in Africa they always held the funeral till the weekends so everyone could attend and not miss work. They called a funeral a "Cry" and it was a big social event. Even white strangers like me would be invited to attend the festivities when I'd happen to accidentally drive into a remote village while sight seeing when a "Cry" was going on. They were sincere and friendly and I often wonder if they didn't have a better idea of how to honor their dead than we do.

   It was good to see old friends and some family I have not seen in generations but regret the circumstances that led me there.

    My wife was committed to print pictures in Charlotte last night for our daughter from last summers children's cancer camp and since we took so long she had to leave early and I rented a car in Pensacola and drove back to Charlotte last night. The picture printing was of kids pictures the kids took as a camp activity last summer and used to highlight the events and as a fundraising and it was a big hit with the parents and supporters although both my wife and very pregnant daughter were worn out by the time they finished. A big thanks to the Canon customer service people who rushed her an order of extra, special ink to complete the project since we missed her other shipment by being in transit at the time.