Yesterday was actually a pretty great day… until about 7pm… when my mom called with some bad news. My great uncle was just diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and they’ve only given him a few days. Yah a FEW DAYS.
I was raised to think of my parent’s aunts and uncles as my own, and my Uncle P was more like a grandfather growing up than a great uncle. My dad was named after him and he even looks more like him than his own father – they’ve always had a strong bond to one another. However, over the past years my dad grew apart from his side of the family, and as a result I did too. I reconnected with my Great Aunt and Uncle when Mr. Bear and I got engaged. They could not come to FL for our wedding, but promised to be at our celebration this spring in CT. When I saw my Aunt C this past September, we planned to meet over Christmas break to make Irish Soda Bread, and then to come to the R’s traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Now our families are going to be reunited for the wrong reasons, and I will not be able to be there. This is one of those times that I hate being so far away from home – I hate that what separates me from being home is a 17 hour drive or a $400 plane ticket (which is currently $1200).
My mom summed up how I am feeling in her fb status … “I hate when life throws you a curveball. Thinking of how lucky I am to be healthy, but dreading the upcoming sadness of yet another person I love leaving. When will we ever learn to stop and take the time to be with the people you care about?”
Sadly, this is the second family member that I will lose this year… and the first was part of my “new” family. Two of my grandparents in CT are in a home right now and Mr. Bear’s two grandpas may not be doing so well these days. I wish we could take off a few months to travel and visit both of our families in the four different states in which they reside – because honestly, you never know when someone is going to pass away. Mr. Bear says that we need to start preparing ourselves for the deaths of our loved ones who are very old, but how do you prepare yourself for death?
I am very sorry for my family who is going to lose their grandfather, father, uncle, and husband during the holiday season. Right around the time we are all supposed to gather and talk about what we are thankful for… I am thankful for him and his life – because he is the reason his children and grandchildren are alive. He made my Aunt C very happy in love for over 50 years, however I can’t imagine what she must be going through right now.
Life is precious and we must savor every single moment. During this week of Thanksgiving, please give thanks for all of your family and friends, for your good health, for the simple things that make you smile, for the air we breathe, for the land we live upon… and please say a prayer for my family during this difficult time.
I don’t know if I will be back to blogland before the Bears head to TN for Thanksgiving with my in-laws… I am pretty torn up over this event, especially since I can’t travel home to be with my family =0(
Ohhh, I am so sad for you! I know how horrible receiving devastating news like this is! I will be thinking about you and your family during the holidays! Moreover, I will also take time to sit back and count all my blessings and be thankful for those that mean the most.
I’m so sorry you and your family have to deal with this over the holiday season…it’s so hard. It does make you remember what’s important and cherish the time you do get with the people you love. My prayers are with you.
I’m so sorry to hear that. My prayers are with your uncle and your entire family. You’re right, though- as devastating as it is to lose soneone dear to you, it makes you that much more thankful and appreciate of everything you do have.
You guys are in my thoughts…
Such a good reminder…why does it take losing a life to realize the value of one? We really do need to put more thought and effort into spending time with those we love and care about. My grandmother is not doing well these days and will be turning 95 right after our wedding in April. I am just praying she can make it to the big day…my sister’s husband’s grandfather passed away just weeks before their wedding and it was really hard on her hubby. I pray I don’t have to go through the same. Thinking of your family right now and hoping you are able to share some lovely thoughts and memories at this difficult time.
Praying for you and your family!
Sorry to hear about this! You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers…
Thinking of you guys… that is just so sad 🙁
Life and loss are so hard. It’s even harder around the holidays… *Hugs* and prayers to you guys!
I am so sorry to hear about the awful news you received about your great uncle! That is terrible! You are definitely right though- as horrible as it is to lose someone it does make you thankful for what you have, including your health! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
What horrible news to receive around the holidays! I’m sorry that you have to be going through this at a time when everyone should be celebrating.
Praying for you!
I’m sooo sorry…:(
Oh my goodness I love your blog too! You are too cute! I love that you’re called Mrs. Bear due to the fact that I went to Baylor and the Bear is our mascot 🙂 I will for sure be one of your billions of follows 😉 Just to let you know, I deleted your email, but have it on my list to choose from on Dec. 1st! Welcome to my blog, I’m happy to have been introduced to yours!
I just realized that I didn’t say how sorry I am about this news … 🙁 I should have posted the “I’m excited to have you join my giveaway” comment on another post. Your family’s in my thoughts as I know how this feels 🙁
I am so sorry you have having to deal with this.:( Especially with the holidays coming up. My granmother passed away 4 years ago the day after Christmas…the year we weren’t able to make it up there to see her. And even though we knew she was very ill, you can never really prepare yourself for something like that. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
I’m so sorry, your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear about your great uncle. Even though you can’t physically be there with your family, I’m sure they will all know that you’re there in spirit.