A year ago today my daughter, Mimi,
and I were driving through a blinding snow storm
trying to reach Pennsylvania before
my brother, Charlie,
went into surgery.
He had gone in a couple of days prior and thought
he had a bladder infection.
This is a man that was never sick a day in his life.
As it turned out, they never did do surgery.
He had gone from hale and hearty to
desperately ill in a few days time.
We got there on February 4th and he was
very ill.
The dreaded words came from the doctor-
Stage Four Cancer.
Incurable.
No treatment available for this type of cancer.
He died the next day.
February 5th, 2013.
Even now it is surreal.
Even now I think I will pick up the phone
and hear his
half-laugh saying,
"Hello, Sister- Dearest"
(a take off on Mommy Dearest- don't ask)
Even now, I can hear him telling me
how happy he was,
how much he loved the girl he had married,
how much he loved his children and grandchildren.
He was one of the kindest souls I have ever known.
So, when Mimi invited me
to spend a couple of days
with her and her boys
while her hubby was out of town
I thought it was fitting to go.
And, as we mourn losing Charlie,
we celebrate the fact
that she is carrying another little life around.
Another little girl to love.
Charlie loved Mimi.
She reminded him of our side of the family
with her curly red hair and her blue eyes.
He would have loved this baby, too.
You know who else he loved when he was young?
He loved Farrah Fawcett.
I think he may have had a poster or two
of her somewhere.
Do you suppose that my brother, Charlie,
finally got to see a REAL angel up close?
Yep- Wouldn't that be grand?
My brother, Charlie, meeting up with one of
Charlie's Angels!
Imagine That!
I will be gone for a couple of days...
remembering and thinking.....
AND thankful
for the life I am living.
Be back soon!
99 comments:
Oh my gosh Diana how sad :( I am so sorry for your loss. Your brother sounds like a wonderful man! It is so scary how quickly that happened. Really makes you think! And I am sure he has met many angels :)
Lots of love and hugs to you!!
Amy
I'm sorry for your loss Diana. Have a nice time with Mimi!
Have a fabulous time with your daughter and the boys, I know you will! maybe there will be some finishing touches/tweaking to be done to baby girl's room. Your brother sounds like he was a wonderful guy....no wonder you miss him....yes, now he's with angels. My mom also passed away last feb, who knows maybe they met each other at the newcomers party??? Have a good week!!!!
Oh Diana, I'm so sorry for your loss, just so sad. Your dear brother sounds like the perfect brother. Spending time with Mimi, I'm sure every minute will be a joy! Have fun, sweet Diana!
I hope you and Mimi have a wonderful time playing with her little boys. :D I know this is a sad time for you.
(((hugs))),
RJ
Hugs to you Diana. I know the passing of your brother will always hurt. Get some hugs from Mimi and the sweet boys. oxox,Susie
Have a good time, Diana. Hugs to you, MiMi, and those sweet boys. Be safe out there. xoxo, Ron
Oh Diana! I didn't know you lost your brother - how did I miss that? ( ok, looking at the date it was right after I lost my brother so I guess that's my excuse). I'm so sorry. I hope you have a wonderful trip and your memories bring smiles through the tears. Hugs for you!
Cecilia
My heart goes out to you, and to all of you, at this sudden death. No words can help. Just hugs...
Gentle hugs,
Tessa~
Blessings Diana.... V
Hugs and blessings to you, Diana. Enjoy this time with family! xo Nellie
Diana, I'm sorry to hear about your brother, your beautiful memories of him will help to keep him alive in your heart. Take care.
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother, Diana! He was so handsome and had that million dollar smile just like you. I'll be praying for you and your family.
Blessings,
Shelia
Thinking of you my friend!
Thinking of you Diana!
He is an angel, Diana! He's going to be the first one to hold Mimi's little girl.
Hugs,
Cristina
Diana, I am sorry to hear about your brother, loss is terrible. I hope that you find some comfort in those babies.
{{{{{.. gentle hug ..}}}}}
Charlie is indeed an angel, and most likely hanging out with his once beloved "Angel" Farrah. Thinking of you!!
I know this is not an anniversary that you're happy to have, but at least you are able to look back at all the good memories you have of him. I still can't believe how quickly he died after getting diagnosed! At least he didn't have to suffer for a long time. So many do. Enjoy this time with your family.
What a very very sad story my friend...and I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will celebrate his amazing life and that he is in Heaven and one day you will see him again is a reason to celebrate....but I know tell then you will miss him dearly. Have a safe trip dear one. xoxox
Diana...my family also has a Charlie as an angel. Four years ago last month my brother-in-law Charlie, my beautiful sister's husband, was diagnoses with stage 4 lung cancer. He too was never ever sick. Ten moths later he passed away at the age of just 54. He was the kind of guy that when you met him for the first time it was like meeting again with an old friend, he was that easy going and likable. He is now one of our guardian angels. I will pray for your family and brother Charlie...there must be something about that name because it seems to be synonymous with wonderfully loving people. He will be there when Mimi's little girl arrives...of that I am sure.
Looking forward to your return.
XO Barbara
Have a safe trip, my friend. Enjoy that sweet family of yours...I know you will. Life is good!
Love you.
Debbie
xo
Hugs.......
Dians
Enjoy your time with Mimi and the g'boys. I remember what a shock losing your brother was for you.
He sure sounds like a great guy.
I lost Mom a year ago on Feb 1 it was expected, but I DO miss her.
You are in my thoughts. ((HUGS))
Sending lots of love and prayers to all of you dear Diana... yes, I think Charlie has met Farrah... I always liked her too, and thought she was such a beautiful lady, inside and out... enjoy your time with Mimi and the kids... and cry if you feel like it... sometimes, you still need to do that... I am thinking of you, xoxo Julie Marie
I cannot believe it has been a year already. Have a safe trip.
I wonder if those angels have guns in heaven. I mean... if not, how are they going to pose for pictures? And really... I'm sure Farrah won't be the only angel Charlie gets to hang around with. He's in paradise and there are angels everywhere. And they're all beautiful! But really - it's kind of hard to believe that a year has gone by.
I'm sure he did get to see her, right after he shook Jesus' hand and someone gave him his halo. He's looking down today, and smiling at his sis, who he knows loved him dearly. Enjoy your time of reflexion, and if you find mispelled wordss blame it on my pain meds. Love ya.
Oh the anniversaries of such times can grab ahold and shake us a bit. Hope that you have wonderful times of reflection. I can already see that the memories are warm.
Thinking of you...you really do have an angel watching over you and loving you!
~Trisha
Are you saying he was in stage 4 bladder cancer and didn't know it - thought it was a bladder infection. Well thank the Lord he didn't suffer I guess. And then died right away - way to young. I am so sorry. Have a nice time on your trip! sandie
Hugs to you my friend. I know it will be bittersweet for you, as you enjoy being with family, but miss Charlie. Hold onto those good memories. Life is so short. Soon we will be reunited and meet not only our loved ones, but those of us who know each other only through the fragile lines connecting us through our blogs! Won't that be a party!! Safe travels ~Deborah
God bless you. He would be so happy about the new baby!
((Hugs)) and Love to you! Enjoy your trip and visit. ~Liz
Hi sweet friend, I know you're with Mimi but just thought I had to send you big virtual hugs and lots of love. I well remember the first anniversary of my sister's passing from that horrid disease. It was such a hard time, even in the midst of life's blessings. She will be gone 9 years this summer-isn't a day I don't miss her. I know you'll always miss your brother. Yep, he is with Farrah-probably laughing etc. Have a great time with your family.
Love you!
Noreen
Diana, your family has really been through some challenging times, haven't you? I am so sorry about the loss of your dear Charlie. I know that he anniversary of his death is difficult, and I am glad you'll be with your daughter celebrating new life during these hard days. Bless you all!
It's hard to believe that a year has passed already,Diana. I am glad that you and Mimi are getting away for a few days, that will be so good for you both! I know that the first anniversary of losing a loved one is always the hardest, so I will be keeping you in my prayers. Your brother sounds like an amazing person, I am glad that you had such a close relationship, as so many families don't. Bless your heart, love you!!!
Oh, Diana, I know your loss. Brothers are our "first" best friends and when they leave this earth, they leave so much behind. I cherish my memories of those happy times together. I also cherish our disagreements, for we always knew that we would always be brother and sister forever and that bond was greater than anything else. Celebrate his life and all the wonderful times you shared for his memory remains in your heart.
Enjoy your time with Mimi. I am sure the time will be fun-filled. Sorry of your loss.
Diana, what a wonderful tribute to your brother. I'm so sorry for your great loss. He looks and sounds like a sweetheart, for sure.
Sending prayers of comfort to you and yours. Blessings, Martha
So sorry to hear about your loss, Diana. He was so handsome, and sounds like he was a real charmer. I'm so glad, though, that you did have the blessing of a wonderful brother in this world. I will pray for your heart to heal, and hope that you have a truly special time with your daughter.
I had no idea you had gone through this last year. I'm so sorry to hear about it. Sounds like your brother was a charming and wonderful man. Lots of hugs to you. And yes, I'm sure he did meet Farrah. :)
Thinking of you. I remember this tragedy last year. Such a unspeakable loss. Extra hugs to you!
we have been friends for one year..because this is the post I came across that touched me so much. Thoughts are with you at this sad sweet time of remembering Charlie.
Bless your heart Diana, How time passes so quickly. It's hard to believe a year has passed. My former snl passed away 2 yrs tomorrow. We were very close,up to her passing. But we know who holds our future and while on this earth, we are just passing through. What a wonderful day when we get to be together again with all loved ones!! It will be a glorious time! Blessings and heartfelt prayers~~~Roxie
What a nice tribute to your lovely brother. Don't even want to know why he called you sister, dearest. It better not have anything to do with wire coat hangers! Enjoy your time away. Hope you're some place warm and toasty with sand between your toes!
I just reread and you said her husband was going out of town, not necessarily you guys, so nix the sand between the toes things. You might get frostbite if you try that at your lake.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I can't imagine losing my brother and hate the thought of it. The pain never goes away does it? Thankfully you have wonderful memories to carry you through. Even more wonderful is you had such a great bond with each other. You are blessed for that.
Pamela xox0
What a sweet testament to your brother. I'm sure he would get a kick out of you bringing up Farrah.
Take care, Diana! You're very blessed to have known such a good and kind brother!
Wow I can't believe it's been a year already. I remember when you posted about it last year. Take care and we'll be waiting for you when you come back. Hugs across the water, Liz
It is a year really but something you live out your life on earth.
Memories of good never die. Your brother.
My dear friend just loss her son of cancer.
Oh cancer is such an enemy. I hate it.
Take care Di.
Your the Best!
hugs, diana:)
Hope your stay is filled with fun and great memories in the making! I believe your brother has probably met a few angels!
So sorry for the lost, we all really are here for such a short time. Big HUG !! XO
Oh how the winter brings on those feelings of emptiness. I pray that your time with her will be filled with good memories, and some laughter amid the tears. God bless your sweet heart.
How sweet to remember your brother in this post. What a handsome man and you can tell in his smile and eyes he was a happy soul. Have a wonderful time with Mimi, the boys and just having a few days away. Enjoy. Memories of great times with your brother will always be with you.
Hugs my friend.
Kris
A sweet post Diana..I remember that time a year ago..seems like yesterday..for you as well, I'm sure..Enjoy your visit..I'm sure it will stir up good memories and happy times..Will miss you..xxoo
I love your story and what a handsome brother you have.
Oh I am so sorry...
Oh', Diana, I can't imagine how devastating that must've been to lose your precious brother so suddenly! I'm sure that he is having fun with the angels! (And congrats on your daughter's pregnancy! :)
Susan
I'm so sorry for your loss, Diana. Charlie sounds like he lived and loved well. Enjoy your time with Mimi and her boys.
My heart goes out to you my friend. I wish I was there to give you a big ole hug. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love. Take care of yourself and take all the time you need. Sweet hugs, your buddy, Diane
Diana, I remember this time last year. I'm so sorry for your loss! He sounds like the perfect brother that had his sister's sense of humor! I think he has spent some time with his Charlie's angel. Have fun with Mimi and the boys! Take care of yourself! Love and hugs to you!
Wow, how has it been a year already?!? I can't hardly believe it. Thinking of you while you and your family are remembering him.
You have written a beautiful tribute once more to your brother. I'm glad you will be making some happy memories with Mimi during this time.
So sorry about your brother. Cancer is a terrible thing. Thoughts and prayers to you.
Judy
hugs, prayers, love...you are one of a kind
Oh, what a touching story, Diana. Your brother had such a sweet face. And I can see why he loved Farrah - I did too! She was such a beauty, and I think I told you this before, but I see a resemblance with you and her. I know you miss your brother very much, and I hope you have a nice time with your daughter laughing, loving, and remembering.
Love,
~Sheri
Love you Diana - we always miss those we have lost in this life - so happy we have the promise of seeing them again in Heaven!
Most certainly he saw Farrah...and she was so happy to meet him! I hope you have a great few days off, you deserve it!
It is so hard to believe it has been already a year. Big hug to you, my friend! Enjoy your family time.
I so understand. Almost lost my brother last June and then we did lose Abby 6/21. My heart goes out to you sweet friend! Take all the time you need....be good to yourself. And yes! Charlie has met a lot of angels. :)
xo
Pat
I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. My momma died of cancer. I am a retired nurse and worked with kids with cancer. I've met some of the best kids you could imagine. And lost some of the best.
Anniversaries are hard to deal with. Hope you do something fun and keep thinking about your brother with the angels.
I must have "found" you after last February, since I didn't know you'd lost your brother. I'm so sorry. He sounds special--and funny--and I myself wouldn't be one bit surprised if he has, indeed, met Farrah. :) xox♥
Sad to hear about the loss. Prays for you and their family...
So very sorry my friend...Cancer is a nasty thing!! Praying for comfort and joy in happy memories. Congrats on the new little one to love...
What a lovely post, I'm sure your brother is smiling down on you. Thinking of you!
xo Kat
So very sorry for your loss. It never seems to get easier. Hugs! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessings,
Jill
thinking of you and the family. God bless you.
Thinking of you today Diana, enjoy your time with family...
Blessings,
Cindy
I remember that sad time. A year ago. I would like to think that by now he has met many angels! Sending you hugs and purrs during a difficult time.
"her" and Romeo
I too remember that very sad time and the suddenness of it. Blessings to you as you go your way and back in time with your memories of your beloved brother.
I'm sure he's up there grinning as he sits beside Farrah, reading your blog.
Hugs to you sweet Diana!
Oh my goodness sweet friend, is it a year since your handsome brother passed away, wow!!! Time flies, so I do believe you still think he'll be calling to talk to you. Yes, two beautiful angels I'm sure are together in heaven. I didn't visit before as I was under the weather and before that we were visiting our g'girl for her birthday.
My heart goes out to you still! God bless you honey.
Big hugs,
FABBY
I know your loss is so great and can imagine how you miss that sweet brother of yours. So happy about the baby girl soon to join your family! :)
Diana, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your sweet memories of him will be a great comfort, but still ... Anniversaries are hard. Our thoughts are with you.
I remember your post sharing about your dear brother's passing. What a lovely man and I know you must miss him so much. What a blessing to have happy memories to carry you through. Many hugs to you my friend, Jane
I am so sorry for your loss of your brother. What a shock that must have been to lose him so quickly. Blessings and prayers out to you.
The first year, it’s so hard. How nice for you to be with your lovely daughter now. With so much to look forward your brother would want you to do just that. I can’t wait to hear more about the sweet baby girl you all will have soon............Thinking of you.
I am sure you will be sharing sweet stories of Charlie and remembering him as only loved ones can. Thinking of you.
XO Danielle
Dearest Diana, Charlie is a handsome angel and I am sure he has made heaven a little brighter. It doesn't seem that long ago but I am sure you remember every day without him. Remember also, he is at peace and has no pain.
love to you, Ginger
I am so sorry for your loss!! That C word is horrible!! I'm glad that you had that day with him! I'm sure it was horrible to lose him so quickly like that...but on the other hand...my dad found out about his a year ago...and he lingers on...and I say it that way...simply because he is ready to go...and suffers every day...it is so hard to watch someone decline before your eyes like that! I guess I sometimes wish we would have had one day...to tell him how much we loved him...and then let him go on to be in a much better place...rather to see him suffering. Either way...death is never easy...it leaves such am emptiness behind!! God bless your family!!!
The first anniversaries are the hardest. When someone goes so quickly that you have loved for so long, it just leaves a hole in your heat. Glad you could get away and celebrate life with your daughter and the kiddos. Big (((((HUGS)))) today.
Prayers for you and your beautiful family. This is a lovely tribute!
So sorry for your loss. Prayers sent.
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