My Brother is in the hospital -- dying at this very moment!
By ladyluna
@ladyluna (7004)
United States
October 22, 2007 8:06am CST
Hello All,
It is with a very heavy heart that I start this discussion. If I'm not my usual self, I beg your indulgence.
My brother is 45 years young. Yet, he's not expected to live more than two weeks, probably less. He is dying of end-stage Cirrohsis of the liver. There is no magical cure to be hoped for. The doctors have exhausted all medical options. He will leave behind a 14 year old son, sibblings, and friends who have loved him despite his self-destructive battle.
There is no blame to be had by anyone but my brother. You see, he is an alcoholic, who has literally drunk himself to within days of death. Although the blame may be his, our hearts still ache with the loss and the absolute tragedy of it all.
Yet, hopefully some good might come from this terrible tragedy. Perhaps I can share his story with you, who may be able to share it with someone else who also struggles with alcohol. The human body is an amazing machine. Yet, it can only take so much abuse.
If you are so inclined, perhaps you could say a little prayer for my brother, and his son.
I'll be getting on the next available flight to go say my 'goodbyes', and help with his final arrangements. Thanks for letting me vent.
-Ladyluna
10 people like this
18 responses
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
22 Mar 08
I would just like to say that I am sorry about your loss.
2 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
22 Mar 08
I so sorry to hear you going through such a hard time right now. I have a Brother who drinks alot and I worry about him the same way. Some behaviors can be so self-destructing and ppl ignore it until it's too late to try to change it. My heart and prayers go out to you and yours.
!!HAPPY EASTER!!
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
23 Oct 07
Hi ladyluna Im so sorry to hear this. That is truely sad. I dont think people really realize what they are doing to their bodies when they drink. I will say a prayer for your brother and I wish good luck with saying your goodbyes. Have a safe trip. Please keep us informed.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
29 Oct 07
Thank you TerryZ. Your well wishes and prayers are much appreciated.
I'm not sure that an update is what anyone really wants, as his story is as gruesome as it is sad. He's still alive, in excruciating pain, and is receiving none other than Hospice centered care in the I.C.U.
The silver lining is that, at this point, he can have no question that he is deeply loved.
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
23 Oct 07
My lady, I am so sorry to hear this. There are simply too many tragedies in this world and this just adds on to the tally.
I hope you will find the courage to move on when he has passed on, and continue to lead a vibrant and happy life.
Best wishes.
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
23 Oct 07
I am sorry to hear the news. Perhaps what can be done is to give him the assurance and comfort in his remaining days. I know it can be rather painful both physically and emotionally for him and especially his loved ones who might be emotionally drained. Perhaps miracles will happen, who knows. I shall pray for you :)
2 people like this
@alphabeata (106)
• Philippines
23 Oct 07
No amount of encouraging words would alleviate the pain you & your family are now experiencing. It is my prayer that you'll all be comforted by the Holy Spirit, and that He'll grant you peace, strength, emotional healing as you soon face the inevitable.God bless you and the rest of your family.
2 people like this
@gardengrrl (1445)
• United States
22 Mar 08
Hi, ladyluna, I just stumbled across this discussion today. I'm so sorry for your loss! How very like you it is to try and use your family's pain to prevent the suffering of others! I hope time has begun to work its insidious magic and ease your grief. There will come a time when you can remember your brother for the good you shared, rather than the waste the disease made of his life.
Be well, my friend, many hugs to you!
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
24 Mar 08
Greetings Gardengrrl,
Thank you for the kind words, and the hugs! I have been slow to respond here, because I was trying to get through the Easter Holiday without getting weepy. I hope you don't mind.
Thanks again for the warm & fuzzies -- they are appreciated!
1 person likes this
@foxygirle (376)
• Philippines
23 Oct 07
i'm so sorry to hear about this. I know its hard to look at your brother knowning he only has a few days to live.
@hitsman99 (42)
• Canada
3 Apr 08
I am sorry to hear this. I can only offer my condolences at this time.
1 person likes this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
22 Oct 07
Travel safe. The prayer has been said.
1 person likes this
@Nan110 (469)
• United States
2 Apr 08
Ladyluna,
Sorry to hear about your loss. I know what your going through. I lost my dad from Cancer back in June 13, 2004. It's very hard to loose a loved one. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of grief. I'm here if you need a friend to lean on.
