Helping my brother to the other side, Tom passed last night Feb. 26th

[47sawdust]

My 83 year old brother has bone marrow cancer.It is terminal and he has chosen to not treat it.
I came to Vermont 50 years ago to visit him and never left.
I now realize why I came and that is to ease his way to the other side. Our relationship has not always been easy but that is all out the window now.
I feel very honored to be in this place, give him comfort and be-still his fears.We are 2 of 6 children and Tom is the first to leave us.
My only daughter died 16 years ago and my Mother-in-law died in our home 2 years ago so I am not new to loss or caring for those in their last days.
I am truly blessed to have a powerful wife who has sustained me and vice/versa.

Thanks to all of you for just being there.

47sawdust

[moosehunter]

It is good that he has you, and you him. Make sure you take care of yourself while you take care of him.
mh

[doc henderson]

not as scary if you are ready to go, and surrounded by a close and loving family.  God Bless.

[sublime68charger]

God speed to your brother on his journey and thoughts and prayers for you during this difficult time.

[dgdrls]

God bless you and your brother.

D

[Sedgehammer]

God bless you and your wife to be there and to help your brother in his time of need. It's not for the weak of heart. You're good people!!

[barbender]

I'm glad you can be there for him, God bless you all.

[SwampDonkey]

You're a great brother. Sending good vibes to give you strength during this tough time.

[moodnacreek]

47, I know where you are [so to say]  Lost a brother in 08 not long after we started to get along, thanks to 9/11.  Saying good bye can put the surviving one right to the bottom. Be strong.

[Wudman]

If you are not aware, please contact Hospice in your area.  They can help both the family and your brother as the time comes.  My wife has been there for many families in the end of life.  Appropriate steps can help ease the process.  You are in our prayers.  God Bless.

Wudman

[Sedgehammer]

Unfortunately we'll be in that place some day and it'll be here 10x faster then we think..... Your brother is lucky that it'll be family taking care of him vs a nursing home. Family usually does a better job and the one getting ready to pass over, feels better being at home. I'm lucky in that regard, as my wife and her family said I'll never go to a nursing home. I feel for those that go, as family visits trail off and they feel lonely. 

[Nebraska]

Bless you for stepping up. Glad you can be there for him.

[47sawdust]

Thanks for all your replies. Home Hospice is indeed a great resource and makes it possible for loved ones to pass in the comfort of there homes with loved ones and pets to offer comfort.

[mike_belben]

just FYI, hospice is not the only late stage in-home option incase anyone reading finds themselves in need of help.  my wife spent the last year as a private elderly caretaker entirely on in-home basis, employed by a company.  there are several in our town. 


Jesus defeated death on the cross, so for those who believe in Him its just a transition out of the bad and into the good.   Lord bless you for being at his side in love and support in his hour of need. some comforting passages

john 11:25
1 cor 15:42
2 cor 5:8
rev 21:4
joshua 1:9
romans 8:28
matthew 5:4
1 thesselonians 4:13
luke 20:36
romans 8:18
rev 14:13
isaiah 57:1-2
john 16:22
2 cor 1:3-4

[snobdds]

I am sorry to hear about your brother.  I know the feeling. 

I lost my brother when he was 21.  I wish I had the opportunity to say goodbye to him.  Don't be afraid to hold him close and comfort him...not everyone gets that. 

[Patrick NC]

Everyone here is spot on. Not much left to say except stay strong for your brother and God bless both of you and your family. 

[47sawdust]

My Brother passed last evening.His 2 grandchildren went in to kiss their PopPop good night and shortly after Tom breathed his last breath.
Tom died the same way he lived his life, with great dignity.
RIP Brother
Thanks to everyone here for your thoughts and kind words.

[mike_belben]

Good on you all for being by his side, its sad for us but glory days for him.  Where he is now, no one wants to come back here from.  God bless him. 

[barbender]

Sorry to hear of your loss, 47- I'm glad you were able to be there for him and help him on his journey. God bless you and all the family.

[firefighter ontheside]

Sorry for your loss.  I'm sure it helped him more than you know that you have been there these last weeks.

[Magicman]

You did well.  I offer my Condolences to You and to Tom's entire Family. 

[olcowhand]

Our Condolences on your loss. I have brothers, lost a couple of step-brothers- and it is never easy. You stepped up where many wouldn't (or maybe "couldn't").
Belben, your list of recommended verses can help all of us. Thanks.
Steve

[ESFted]

Tears of condolence for you and your family. 

[Jim_Rogers]

Sorry for your loss.

[WV Sawmiller]

   I am so sorry for your loss and offer my sincere condolences to you and his entire family.