Monday, January 04, 2010

Death By Cigarettes


My sister just called. My brother-in-law died this afternoon. Everyone knew he wasn't going to get well, but he was improving and we felt sure he would last another few months. We even planned on forgoing an exciting vacation to visit him again in February.

The good part is that he had a decent ending. He got up to go to the bathroom, collapsed and died almost immediately. He didn't have to go through long months of suffering.

If we fly into the airport close to her, we will be spending more money on airfare than my whole Jamaica trip cost so we are flying into the one 35 miles away.

I hate missing school this time of year, midterms are in a few days. My sister needs me with her and as much as I don't always like her, I love her and need to help her get through this. I wished the kids cared as much as I do about my being away.

Damn those cigarettes.

8 comments:

Ms. Tsouris said...

I am so sorry for your and your sister's loss. I know you were hoping for another visit with him; now your sister and her family need your loving, caring ways. The kids will survive the midterms; do what you feel you need to do for your family.

ChiTown Girl said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I hope you find comfort in knowing he isn't suffering.

The kids will be fine. Your sister needs you more than they do right now.

I will keep your family in my prayers..

Abstract Randomizer said...

Sorry about the sudden death in the family.
As you say, it's probably the best way to go--for him--but perhaps harder on those who are left.
Regards and big hugs from your Calgary connections.
xo

burntoutteacher said...

And do what you need for yourself. This is that awful time in life when our own mortality is staring us down. Our parents are gone or ill, our children are so grown that we don't often feel like parents anymore, and now our siblings and our peers are starting to leave us.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Ricochet said...

I am so sorry for your loss but so glad you got to visit with him recently.

Your kids will be resilient.

teachin' said...

I think the kids care more than you probably know, but regardless, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Schoolgal said...

Very sad news. My sincere condolences to you and your family. This must be hard on your father too.

School should not even be on your mind. When my father was ill, my former principal told me my place was with him. He always regretted not being with his father when he passed because he was at work.

Kim Hughey said...

I don't know how I missed this post, but I just saw it and wanted to send my love your way. I will be thinking of your family over the next few days. I'm so glad you got to spend time with your brother recently. How is your father doing with all this?