Lost a brother

[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.