Thank you for the heart - I lost my little brother to ALS the day before Valentine's Day

[earthboundmisfit]

Last Sunday - the day before Valentine's Day - my baby brother lost his 10-year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was only 50 and had actually done pretty well, even though the disease had ravaged his body, he refused any "special" devices, breathed on his own, etc. - but pneumonia got him a few weeks ago. He just did not have the strength left to fight it. We had his memorial service Thursday - as he would have wanted it, it was full of laughter and endless stories by friends of his exploits, pranks, and shenanigans through the years. But it was still saying goodbye to him. I am not doing real well, but I'm trying.

Anyway, the heart helped more than you could know, and I thank you. :hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

1. I am so sorry, earthboundmisfit...

I am truly so sorry for your loss and the pain you're feeling.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[leftstreet]

2. Condolences

Sorry to hear it

[Dappleganger]

3. So sorry for your loss.

ALS is just awful...we lost a dear friend about a year ago to it, we were there with him when he was diagnosed. Our family walks each year for them now. My heart goes out to you.

:hug:

[Ken Burch]

4. Here's another one.

I know it can't do nearly enough to ease the pain you must be in. But take care and know you're in a lot of people's thoughts.

A friend of mine died of ALS a couple of years ago.

[lunatica]

5. I've never gotten over losing my big brother

Grieve your brother. He was worth it. That's the way I always felt. The harsh pain does go away, but the love is always there and the memories are precious beyond anything anyone can imagine.

[abq e streeter]

6. Words feel so inadequate, but just to check in as yet another person who cares

and is so very sorry for your grief and sadness at this time.

[emilyg]

7. So sad. Hugs.

[demmiblue]

8. I'm sorry for your loss.

Peace & love. :hug:

[Raine]

9. I'm so sorry

I don't have a heart to give you but here's a nice big hug :hug:

[malaise]

10. Deepest sympathy

Losing the family baby is unbelievably painful - I lost my youngest sister nearly seven years ago and as her birth date approaches the sadness returns. :grouphug:

[Mnemosyne]

11. I am so terribly sorry for your loss, earthboundmisfit.

:hug::hug:hug:

[pipi_k]

12. I'm so sorry...my little brother died too, on the 12th

He was only 40 years old.

He had been sick for some time, but it got really bad about 18 months ago. In and out of the hospital at least 15 times, if not more.

We thought he would die just before Christmas when he ended up in the ICU on life support but he made it out.

Three weeks ago he went to Florida to visit my mom and our youngest sister. My sis said she didn't know how on earth he made it that far...Mass to Florida on the plane, as sick as he was. She had to literally BEG him to allow hospice services.

His liver and kidneys failed terribly in the two weeks before he died. His wife and children went down to see him the week before he died but then had to return home. He passed away peacefully the next day in my sister's home with her and my mom present. He went to Florida to die in the presence of the woman who gave him life. :(


I was 17 when he was born, so he was like a brother and a second son to me.

We buried him on Saturday. Same scenario as yours. He wanted people to laugh and celebrate his life. We did.

many hugs to you and your family...

[Mnemosyne]

13. Oh pipi, I am so sorry for your loss also.

:hug::hug::hug:

[pipi_k]

18. thank you...

:hug: back to you

[Mnemosyne]

24. Anytime...

:hug:

[earthboundmisfit]

21. Oh, Pipi - a BIG hug to you

Even when we know they're sick, it's hard to say goodbye. Your brother sounds a lot like mine - perhaps where ever they are now, they met up on the way... Healing thoughts and energies to you, Pipi :hug:

[Mnemosyne]

14. Just checking in with a few more...

:hug::hug::hug:

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. My condolensces

:hug:

[cali]

16. my heart goes out to you

[Terra Alta]

17. I'm so sorry.

I lost a childhood friend to ALS in 2006.. he was only 25. It really sucks. :( :hug:

[NC_Nurse]

19. I am so sorry for your loss! My aunt recently was diagnosed with this awful

disease. I feel for you and your family and wish your brother peace.

[earthboundmisfit]

20. Oh, what dear friends you are.

I am just now getting back online after my original post yesterday, and I am overwhelmed by your kind thoughts! And bless you who gave hearts to heal my own. I seldom post, but I am here every day, as DUers are my kindred spirits... You dear people give me reason to hope for better days ahead for all of us.
THANK YOU, FRIENDS. :grouphug:

[mcar]

22. I'm so sorry for your loss

My uncle died of ALS way back in the early 80s. It was a very difficult thing for him and his family; I was young but still remember him and his struggle. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[greatauntoftriplets]

23. I am so sorry for your loss.

My brother-in-law's 44-year-old niece died of ALS last fall. She had been sick for less than one year.

:hug:

[Beaverhausen]

25. So sorry- I lost a good friend with MD recently

those battling these diseases that ravage their bodies teach the rest of us so many lessons in living and loving.

:hug: I'm so sorry about your brother. He sounds like a wonderful man.

[Gemini Cat]

26. I am sorry for your loss earthboundmisfit and for your loss Pipi_12

I wish I could say something that would make the pain go away for both of you.
I am very sorry for both of your losses.

:hug: :hug: