Tuesday, March 17, 2009

In Memory

It is with a heavy heart I type this post today. I learned that my brother Craig, died while we were in flight this past Sunday. Craig was 47, and had dealt with the ravages of muscular dystrophy since he was very young. Of us four kids, his case was second in severity. In late February he came down with a severe case of pneumonia. If not for the insistence of his wonderful care provider, Jay Graham, he would never have made it that far. After nine days in ICU, the doctors were able to replace his ventilator with a breathing tube and he spoke freely exclaiming “tell everyone I’m alive”! But even though the fluid was off his lung, the damage, coupled with a weakened body, was already done. He eventually was moved out of ICU, where I got a good two hours’ talk before I left for China. He was smiling and happy to hear he was going home the next day. I will miss my brother, and wish him health and happiness now that he has gone to be with Mom and Scott. Take care, Buddy, and watch over me will ya?

15 comments:

  1. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss--

    Kerry, Terry and Zelly

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  2. Deepest condolences and love from back home.

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  3. You don't know me but I'm following your blog. I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. I hope maybe it will help to know even strangers are sharing your sorrow and hope you will draw strength from all around you to carry on.

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  4. I'm so sorry about your loss. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. Prayers and love

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  5. Russ, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I'm so thankful that you had the time with him before you left for China. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

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  6. Russell, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad that you were able to have the time with him that you did. My thoughts are with you!

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  7. again, another stranger following your blog. Very sorry to hear about your loss. i wish there was more to say, but losing a loved one, words dont help much.

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  8. Russ,

    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. My prayers are with you and your family. May you be blessed with peace and strength for the road ahead.

    - Peter

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  9. Russ, I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers every day.
    Corinna

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  10. Russ I'm so saddened after reading your blog. I'm so sorry. I hope you're as strong and ok as you sound.
    I have enjoyed your other blogs and look forward to reading how you're doing when I've recovered from surgery. I'm going into the hospital tomorrow for some tests and the surgery is Tuesday the 24th.
    My best wishes and good thoughts are with you.
    I'll be in touch when I can.
    Again I feel just awful about your brother.
    Laura

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  11. Russ, I am sorry to hear about your Brother. It is wonderful you got to spend some time with him before you left. He is watching over you now. Be strong for your treatment.

    Love, Dawn

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  12. Russ, I am sorry for the loss of your brother. My heart goes out to you.

    Michelle

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  13. Thinking about you and your brother, Russ. I am happy for you that you had some time with him before he passed on.

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  14. Russ, I'm so sorry for your loss. Hang in there and I will keep praying for you. Take good care.

    Leasia

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  15. Hi Russ. I am a fellow FSHer. Sitting on the sofa in my living room on a Sunday morning in NYC with my wife reading your blog and looking at the pictures. We are rooting you on and so so sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know that you are in the hearts of many you have never even met. Take care.

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