Sunday, November 23, 2008

Requiescat in pace

sometimes we bring it on ourselves
... and sometimes we do not

aged 51
... and 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yesterday...
It will always be yesterday, now.
We buried the both of them...
Yesterday.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Muncie, IN

Debby was 51 and the mother of five wonderful children - four boys and one girl.

The eldest boy now had to take charge of the arrangements for 'mom'. He flew home from California about 10 days ago. He was told "...it is almost time, and you need to be here - you need to let her see you one more time."

The next in line, another boy, received a similar message. His flight from New Mexico arrived one hour after his older brother. The other two boys and the girl live here with their dad. The eldest of these two boys graduated from High School last year; and the youngest of the two is now in 12th grade - he will graduate this coming Spring. The girl is now in the 7th grade and a joy to all who know her - she loved her mother a lot!

Together, they all shared the burden. 'Mom' stayed around for 10 days after being admitted to the local hospital. The prognosis was "days, not weeks". The cancer did its part and now she is gone.

Debbie was our good friend. A few years back when she was hospitalized for an extended period of time, three families divided up her family and took them in so dad could work. We were fortunate to be able to care for two of the boys.

Requiescat in pace.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Double Oak TX [Dallas-Ft. Worth area]

Jim was 44 and the father of three wonderful children - two boys and one girl. He was also a marathon runner and competed in events in different cities.

The oldest of the boys is now 9 years old. He is a member of the school's Chess Club, a local HVASBA baseball team [the Rangers], and a local GLASA soccer team [the Grizzlies].

The next in line, the other boy, is now 7 years old. He, too, is a member of his school's Chess Club, a local FMYSA baseball team [the Cubs], and a local GLASA soccer team [the Blue Sharks].

The youngest, a girl, is now 3 years old. Her job is to be the loudest cheer leader for both of her older brothers. She and mom go from practice-to-practice and game-to-game. Dad hasn't been able to attend these events for some time now.

They have now placed their 'dad' in a place of rest ... and they will miss him greatly.

Jim was husband to our niece Michelle. His cancer used up all their financial resources as it went from colon to liver to lungs ... all since May of 2007. She will be looking to return to the work-force soon.

Requiescat in pace.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yesterday...
It will always be yesterday, now.
We buried the both of them...
Yesterday.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

8 comments:

Adoro said...

Oh...what a difficult loss for both families! Condolences to both, and lots of prayers.

Buddhist, RN said...

Next time you see Caitlyn, tell her I said hello and I'm praying for her and I love and miss her. I told her that myself a second ago but I'm sure she could stand to hear it again. I didnd't even know she was so sick. Sigh. I hope to come down soon.

uncle jim said...

Adoro,
Thanks ... they will need all of that to combat anger and despair.

Em,
I sure will - you know she loves and misses you, too.

Mike Z said...

Jim,

I was filled with sorrow as I read your blog entry. These are such difficult situations for those who survive. Please be assured of our prayer for you all. It can so hard not to blame the Lord for things that are beyond our control, but not, seemingly beyond his. In these times we forget that even Jesus was crucified. I will pray in especial that the crucified one's presence and his constant love be understood and welcomed by and to these who have lost so much.

Your brother,
Mike

uncle jim said...

Mike,
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
Debbie was a dear sister in the Lord ... a member of our People of Praise branch.
She lived a very colorful and diverse life; her local Roman Catholic parish saw to it that she was able to avail herself of the several sacraments extended to the seriously ill and dying.
Her joy was her children - and they rose to the occasion to celebrate her life and their love for her.

Therese said...

Uncle Jim,

I am very sorry to read about these families losses. I will be praying for the repose of their souls and for the families that are grieving their deaths.

Therese

Melody K said...

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of these loved ones. Prayers offered for them and their families. May they rest in peace.

Adrienne said...

Prayers for all...