First of all, thanks to everyone for your prayers and encouragement. Please continue to remember the family, as this is a loss that will continue to be felt for a long, long time.
I feel a little strange posting this before I'm sure that all of the family has been notified, but I wanted to give you at least a little more information than I provided in my sketchy post yesterday.
My brother-in-law, John, died yesterday in a work-related accident. He apparently died from head injuries caused by a fall. From what I can gather, it sounds like he most likely did not suffer much pain. He is survived by his wife and three sons, the oldest of whom is in middle school; his mother; and two brothers. He was 37. He was my wife's sister's husband, so he was not related by blood to either my wife or myself, but he has been part of our family for a very long time. The family should be more-or-less ok financially, but of course this is going to make things tougher for them.
John was a special person. If I had to sum him up, I would say that he was full of love. He loved God, his family, and pretty much everyone around him. And everyone loved him. He embraced life wholeheartedly, was full of joy, and always had something kind or encouraging to say. He will be greatly missed.
Everyone always wants to know if there's something they can do. Well, right now I'm sitting at home wondering the same thing. Is there something I can do? No, not really. I can pick up my kids from school so that my wife can spend time with her sister. And I can pray. That's about it. Praying is all anyone can really do at this point.
Goodbye, John. We will miss you.
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I don't know how to make this transition (does the dotted line help? Is that all it takes to separate tragedy from ordinary life?), so I'll just do it:
I will post an update regarding my reading list "contest" soon. If you were planning to recommend a book, please continue do so. Before this happened, I was really looking forward to seeing what you all were going to pick. As there isn't much else I can do, I could definitely still use some reading list suggestions to occupy my time.
Thank you and may God bless you. Hug someone you love today.
I feel a little strange posting this before I'm sure that all of the family has been notified, but I wanted to give you at least a little more information than I provided in my sketchy post yesterday.
My brother-in-law, John, died yesterday in a work-related accident. He apparently died from head injuries caused by a fall. From what I can gather, it sounds like he most likely did not suffer much pain. He is survived by his wife and three sons, the oldest of whom is in middle school; his mother; and two brothers. He was 37. He was my wife's sister's husband, so he was not related by blood to either my wife or myself, but he has been part of our family for a very long time. The family should be more-or-less ok financially, but of course this is going to make things tougher for them.
John was a special person. If I had to sum him up, I would say that he was full of love. He loved God, his family, and pretty much everyone around him. And everyone loved him. He embraced life wholeheartedly, was full of joy, and always had something kind or encouraging to say. He will be greatly missed.
Everyone always wants to know if there's something they can do. Well, right now I'm sitting at home wondering the same thing. Is there something I can do? No, not really. I can pick up my kids from school so that my wife can spend time with her sister. And I can pray. That's about it. Praying is all anyone can really do at this point.
Goodbye, John. We will miss you.
------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't know how to make this transition (does the dotted line help? Is that all it takes to separate tragedy from ordinary life?), so I'll just do it:
I will post an update regarding my reading list "contest" soon. If you were planning to recommend a book, please continue do so. Before this happened, I was really looking forward to seeing what you all were going to pick. As there isn't much else I can do, I could definitely still use some reading list suggestions to occupy my time.
Thank you and may God bless you. Hug someone you love today.
Labels: Christianity, Serious Stuff
| posted by Diesel at Wednesday, November 29, 2006 |
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Leave a comment! |
Diesel, I'm sending you a hug right now and I'll include your family in my prayers.
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I'll work on the reading thing.
Diesel, I am giving you and your family a huge virtual hug right now. What terrible, terrible news.
This post was difficult for me to read. My only sibling, my brother, was severely brain-damaged two months ago when he was hit, while bicycling, by an out-of-control SUV. He was in a coma for two weeks.
He is alive, but almost totally amnesiac and semi-vegetative.
I say all this not to take away from your tragedy but to solidify the fact that life is so terribly fragile ... and this is why it's so important to love each other today.
Peace and love my friend.
I had sent a comment yesterday but blogger ate it.
I'll be praying for you and your family.
My prayers are with you and your family. Death leaves such a dark empty hole, even when those left behind have faith on their side the total absence of the person that was and is no more is often times overwhelming. May God bless and keep you all healing to one another. Cindra's Auntie, Caryl
All the best, Diesel, to you and your family. Such a tragedy.
Dear God.
Thank you for sharing.
Especially the last line abt hugging someone.
It really does make (me)
realize my own mortality.
God Bless.
I think to hug somebody we love today and tomorrow an dthe day after...is something we can do.
If you remember him the way you do and it sounds like many people will: he has left a big trace of love behind him and that will make him live on in teh hearts of those that knew him best...
I feel kinda silly coming over here for the first time and pretend to know soemthign about anything...but feelings are universal and I just wnated to give you a hug!
I never know what to say, but I'm praying for them, Diesel. And your family, too, as I'm sure it will have an impact.
Dan, that's also terrible news. Could you please post your brother's first name? (I know God will figure out who we're praying for, but it's easier to add an actual name to a prayer list).
Diesel, I'll be praying for John, and for his family, as will my church.
God bless,
-wolfe
I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time, my friend. I am so sorry.
all (((hugs))) and prayers are with your and your family, Diesel. that was a lovely tribute, and i know John will be missed. Your sister-in-law is fortunate to have such wonderful and loving support in her time of need. my heart goes out to you all.
as for hugging someone i love? ah, my friend, that's a common practice in this house -- but it never hurts to be reminded. xoxo