DDA Chapter 24

[marcij]

Just got a call from my sister. I knew it was bad news but wasn't expecting this:

My brother Joe, godfather to my 3 children, the one who gave me away at my wedding, was struck and killed by a car tonight.

Bernadette -- I'm so very sorry to hear about your brother. The pictures are terrific. It's obvious he had a good soul and brought joy to a lot of people. I hope that the family is able to work together to make the arrangements and grieve. Please know I'm sending lots of prayers from Texas.

Thanks for the good thoughts for Jake yesterday. He's doing well and was the perfect patient. He's super tired and is curled up with me watching TV.

I'm praying that no news from Deb just means they are busy and have visitors. I was so relieved to hear all the good things last night that I sat here with tears. Jake asked me what was wrong and I told him happy tears. I just can't imagine what the Brooks family is going through.

 

[ReAnSt]

Bernadette- Sending tons of prayers and to you and your family. I can not imagine what you are going through.

Here are the updates from Deb and family.

He's going down for an MRI in the next hour or so. Please pray that the there is nothing abnormal to be seen. about 4 hours ago from web


We can't find his DSI. I can't remember if he had it before surgery yesterday or not. Of course Same Day surgery is closed for the weekend about 4 hours ago from web

His face is pretty swollen and turning black. He really just wants to go home and is a bit combative at times. This has been so hard on em about 4 hours ago from web

It's morning and the sun is shining. We got some rest last night though he was up every 2 hours. The pain doesn't seem too bad

For those of you who have an Iphone or Touch here is a list of a whole bunch of Apps.

 

[ReAnSt]

More updates from Deb

The MRI is done. Waiting for results. He doesn't have an IV hooked up at the moment. If he can keep drinking and start eating it's gone

He isn't on any pain meds and hasn't been since 1 AM 16 minutes ago from web
Right now he is eating orange sherbert 15 minutes ago from web
Hunter is Much Much better right now. He is looking forward to visitors now. Come ahead.

 

[babytrees]

Just got a call from my sister. I knew it was bad news but wasn't expecting this:

My brother Joe, godfather to my 3 children, the one who gave me away at my wedding, was struck and killed by a car tonight.

Oh no!!!

I am so, so sorry.

 

[babytrees]

Just talked to my other-oldest-sister. She is so mad at my SIL. My brother lived for 3 hours after being hit and she didn't call any of us. My niece was working in the hospital my brother was airlifted to. My sister lives 10 minutes from there. She is really upset that she wasn't able to say goodbye.

We had a similar situation with Jim's parents when his grandpa died...they just didn't get why he might want to say goodbye.

 

[lovesdumbo]

We had a similar situation with Jim's parents when his grandpa died...they just didn't get why he might want to say goodbye.

My sister was very angry last night. I would like to give my SIL a bit of slack. She's my brother's 2nd wife-a bit older (15+ years or so-not really sure???-the internet says she's 63). My brother did everything for her-she has always appeared to me to be a bit weak-both physically and emotionally and that was before she lost her own adult son to an aneurysm a few years ago-I haven't seen much of her since then. I just can't imagine that my brother was conscious after the accident. I would say that SIL just didn't have it in her to make any calls-she did call my brother's daughter. I don't think she did it to be selfish. BUT...even having said all that I do understand my sister's anger.

 

[KristineN]

I can understand why your sister is angry....but I think at times of tragedy people are just not at their best and may not even be thinking rationally

 

[lovesdumbo]

I can understand why your sister is angry....but I think at times of tragedy people are just not at their best and may not even be thinking rationally

I agree. I cannot imagine how she is doing right now.

My sister expressed concern that my brother would think we didn't care enough to show up at the hospital but I am confident that my brother knew we loved him and would have been by his side if we could have. My sister that is angry is the oldest-I'm sure she is upset that she was not there to protect/nurture her little brother.

Still don't know any more details except this:
http://www3.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO131650/#?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

At least it appears that it wasn't a hit & run-the police wouldn't even tell my sister that much last night. Without knowing the details my heart also aches for the driver. I cannot imagine living with that.

 

[bethbuchall]

Bernadette, I am so, so, so sorry.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Kristine, thank you for the Christmas card.

 

[lovesdumbo]

A little background on my brother. He had a drinking problem-I think he never thought he'd make it past age 42 like my Dad. He lost his license again in March and this really scared him-he was sure he'd go to jail this time(the case hadn't gone to court yet)-he stopped drinking and stopped driving.

He was very active in the AmVets. He was walking from his home to there-about 2 miles. He was wearing a professional quality reflective vest-one the highway workers use. He was right at the AmVets when he got hit by someone who knew him. They are checking her car's computer and cell phone records-she may be charged with something minor or vehicular homiside.

My oldest sister, Kathleen, is much more understanding of what Joe's wife was going through last night and isn't angry with her any more. When Joe's wife Betty's son passed a few years ago they bought 3 plots so there is no dispute about what he wanted.

I was wrong about my Dad's anniversary date-he passed on 12/12 like Joe and Betty's son also passed on 12/12.

Betty offered to drive Joe last night but he said he wanted the exercise. The last thing she said to him was you know what date it is-please be careful.

It is all just so tragic.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Deb-what wonderful news about the MRI results!!!!


When I was talking with Kathleen she told me that her 30 year old son is working in Windsor VT and looking to move to Hartland. Would you mind talking to him when things settle down for you?

 

[Disney Yooper]

Just got a call from my sister. I knew it was bad news but wasn't expecting this:

My brother Joe, godfather to my 3 children, the one who gave me away at my wedding, was struck and killed by a car tonight.

My heart goes out to you and your family! I know how special Joe was to you and the kids. Any loss is hard but this is especially tough! I'm so very sorry for your loss.

 

[Glynis]

First and foremost - Deb and family, my heart is so full with happiness for you all! I'm so happy that Hunter is doing well. Please know that he is still in our prayers for a speedy recovery! I have cried as I read all the updates. It's amazing to be part of a Christmas miracle!

Bernadette - I'm so sorry for your loss. What a horrible tragedy. I'm sure that your brother knew that you all loved him, and that you would have been there if at all possible. You are in my prayers as you all move forward with the arrangements.

Thanks to you all for the Christmas cards! I'm enjoying getting the mail! I promise mine are on the way. We were planning on a nice family picture to go with our cards, but the woman who was going to take our pictures was in a car accident and can't do it this year. So, I had to upload a picture to Costco. I'll pick up the cards on Monday, and will start sending them out.

I had a WONDERFUL time this week with my brother! My dad, sister, and another brother all flew to Syracuse, NY to be with my youngest brother and his wife and baby! It was like heaven on earth! We all got to hold him as much as we wanted, and we were able to stock their freezer with meals. My brother also put in a new sink and toilet for them, as the old ones were really bad! The weather was really good, and we were able to see some of the area. It was quite relaxing.

When I got home, though, it was quite apparent that Timothy is going to make me suffer for leaving him. He won't come to me like he used to, and is crying quite a bit more. Oh well. He'll come around, I hope!

Have a great weekend, everyone! I'm thinking about all of you!

 

[my3princes]

Deb-what wonderful news about the MRI results!!!!


When I was talking with Kathleen she told me that her 30 year old son is working in Windsor VT and looking to move to Hartland. Would you mind talking to him when things settle down for you?

Bernadette my heart aches for you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything at all that we can do for you. I'm so sorry to have not read this earlier

I would be happy to talk to your friend's son. You can give him my email address and we can arrange something, perhaps in a week or two.

I'm sure that most of you know by now, but the MRI results show that the tumor is completely gone, no reminants They will continue to monitor him with MRI every 3-4 months just to be sure, but that is the absolute best news. We were fearful that he would have to go back into surgery had she missed any. Now we wait for the biopsy, but the initial results were very good so we are not as concerned. It was an extremely emotional day for Hunter. Lots of tears shed as he really wants to go home. He doesn't feel like the hospital is doing anything more for him that what we would do at home. Obviously we want to be 100% sure that he is in the clear so it is a touchy subject. He's been breaking our hearts off and on all day. Of course the good news cheered us all up (even Hunter for awhile). There is a chance that he will be released tomorrow if he continues to do as well as he has been. Only time will tell. He seems to be resting comfortably now so I think I should try to sleep too.

Thank you again for all your prayers, pixie dust and support. You all mean so incredibly much to us.

 

[Steffy]

Just got a call from my sister. I knew it was bad news but wasn't expecting this:

My brother Joe, godfather to my 3 children, the one who gave me away at my wedding, was struck and killed by a car tonight.

Oh dear God Bernadette. I'm so sorry to hear this. I just can't imagine.

 

[Tammi67]

Bernadette - continued prayers for you and your family. It's so tragic for all involved.

Deb - It sounds like everything is looking up for you all. That's terrific!

 

[my3princes]

Here it is, 1 AM, I should be exhausted yet I'm wide awake. The cot they provide is something from medievil times, a torture device I'm sure. I did put the mattress on the floor, but couldn't find sleep. I hear that there is a new baby in the room next door, poor little thing.

 

[tinknme]

Bernadette - continued prayers for you and your family. It's so tragic for all involved.

Deb - It sounds like everything is looking up for you all. That's terrific!

Tammi I am going to ditto this.

You are all in my thoughts & prayers

 

[tinknme]

I need to get to sleep & Deb I hope you are able to as well!