The Very Worst

I know that I've been absent from the blogosphere for a while now.  For being known as "The Rambler" the reason is something that I can hardly discuss.  I don't even know how to say it, much less write it, but my world completely changed on January 28, 2013 around 8:30pm.

I received a phone call from my mom.  She was in an ambulance with my brother Jeffrey, and they were being rushed to the nearest ER.  Jeffrey had a massive hemorrhagic stroke and never recovered.  He passed on Friday, February 1, 2013 at 4:29pm surrounded by those who loved him most.  I have never experienced anything so heartbreaking and devastating in my life.  His memorial service was amazing and such a beautiful tribute to him.  How I was able to stand before over 100 people and tell them about my brother is still unbeknownst to me.  Watching my parents lose a child has been equally as difficult as losing my brother.  And that's all I can really say.

If you've followed my blog(s) for a while, you've prayed for Jeff before.  Thank you for that.  He was so amazing and speaking of him in the past tense doesn't make sense to me.  I don't have any idea how we are all getting through this, but it is painful.

I have lots to tell you about my beautiful, wonderful daughter and how she is helping to heal the hearts and souls of my family, but for now we would covet your thoughts and prayers as we try to figure out how to live without such a wonderful person in our world.

Even though this pic from 1984 looks like I'm attacking my little brother with my huge bangs, I love it because of the look on Jeffrey's face.  We had a relationship of love that could never be beat by any brother/sister ever.

We love you, Jeffrey.  You are desperately missed and forever loved.