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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

ABSENCE UPDATE

Hello, everyone.  I am praying all is well with you.  And, thank you all so very-very much for the many condolences and prayers; all are so very much appreciated.

I'm hoping this post goes through as my brother's computer is old, extremely slow, and very finicky.  I attempted earlier to visit some of you but it took so long to pull up your blogs it would time out.  I'm pretty bored right now sitting here by myself with nothing to do but think.

I'll begin by saying,  the news is that nothing physical was found that could be attributed to my nephew's heart attack.

As for me, I am in still in Philadelphia.  My brother left for Fargo early Tuesday morning without me.  I am here with my neice.  The reason, as it happens, my brother was only made aware Monday evening my nephew was an organ donor; therefore, the hospital immediately begin removing his organs once he arrived at the hospital Sunday night-- another shocking blow!!!  My brother waited until I got here to tell me.  He and my nephew's mother arranged to have what was left of my nephew cremated shortly after my brother arrived there yesterday afternoon.  As you can imagine they are both devastated.  I know it must just double the pain  my nephew had never told him (or his mother) he was a donor, and to come as a total surprise to everyone.  As there will be nothing to view, there will only be a memorial on this Thursday (tomorrow); my brother will be leaving coming back here immediately after the service.  As my little neice had already missed so many "snow" days out of school and because there was no chance of her having the opportunity to see and/or tell her brother good-bye, my brother decided it would be best for her not to be there while he and his ex-wife attended to the arrangements.  So, here I am trying to occupy and comfort her as best I can when she comes home from school and settles down.  She was fine at while at school and with her little friends yesterday, but after the day's activities were over last night, it hit her like a ton of bricks, and it was so very painful.  After a rough night, I was willing to let her stay home from school today but she wanted to go.  I guess it'll be the same tonight; if so, I'm praying for the strength to get through this again.  My main objective was to come be supportive of my brother and as this was how he needed me, I really have no choice; but it's heartbreaking enough for an adult -- even more to watch a child trying to cope.  Life has so many twists, turns and surprises; I guess we just do what we have to do.  I do hate not being there to comfort my brother and my nephew's mother, and having to miss the memorial; though, fortunately, after being divorced, my brother and my nephew's mother remained good friends, so at least they have each other to get through what needed/needs to get done.

Before my brother left for North Dakota, he introduced me to a couple of his neighbors.  They are so very kind; they have checked on Priscilla and me several times already, and even prepared and brought us dinner yesterday evening.  Of course I'd prepared a meal for Priscilla and me, so we have something for tonight.

So, this is where things stand right now.  I plan on being back home Friday evening or early Saturday morning, depending on when my brother gets in and when my flight is confirmed.  If I can touch base before then I will.  In the meantime, I do hope this post goes through without timing out.

I miss you and hope you're doing happy crafting!

27 comments:

Snowmanlover said...

So wonderful for you to be there for your brother and niece.

IslandV said...

Oh Audrey I am SO SORRY To hear about the loss in your family! My heart goes out to you and yours and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God ease your pain and you reminisce on the good times. Your nephew is with God now, may be ever rest in peace.

If there is anything I can do for you let me know!! **BIG HUGS**

Melissa said...

{{{HUGS}}} being sent to you!

Uniquely Ella said...

Oh Audrey, I'm so sorry for what you and your bother's family are going through. But what a blessing that he was an organ donor. He saved many lifes. There is someone on YouTube, a sweet lady and we have become friend and she is here today cause of the kindness of an organ donor. She is a double organ recipient. But I know it's got to be so hard on your family.
My thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.
xxx

jen said...

Audrey I'm so sorry to hear all of this..it brought tears to my eyes...We had some sadness in our family a week or so ago and its been hard on all of us. Not sure if I had told you, but my nephew and his wife were expecting there little boy end of April and she just lost her baby at 6 months and had to deliver him. Its so sad for them and they are having a really hard time. Death is sad all the way around. I will keep praying for you and your family... Hugs to you and hang in there..
hugs,jen

Joy said...

Oh Audrey I am sooooo so sorry to hear of the loss of your nephew !!!! It just isnt right, to have to bury a child. Please convey my sympathies to your brother! I too am an organ donor.My family is not keen on the idea, but I think it's the right thing to do. I hope you all will eventually understand and be proud of your nephews decision to donate....God bless him, for thinking of others!!! I will be praying for you all, as you struggle with this sad loss. Take care..
xoxo Joy

Jean said...

I will be praying for you guys Audrey.

Sandy from Ukiah said...

I am so glad you were able to sneak in a post. I am so sorry you have to miss the memorial.. but you are doing what you are to be doing. What a shock for your brother about the organs. :-( My prayers are with you my friend... I am sure you don't need to hear this, but I have left you something on my blog.. You have become so near and dear to me... sending you big hugs my friend.

Flamenco92627/ Julieta said...

Hi Audrey! You are doing what your family needs like you said, and I know that is so special and appreciated! God bless, and safe travels to you and your family.

flowerdisco said...

hugs to you all.

~BridgetL~ said...

Audrey, im sorry you could not be at the memorial, but you are helping your brother out more than you know. Your niece needs someone there for her and you seem to be doing a great job. I have to commend your nephew for being a donor. I know its hard on some, but just think of all the people he is able to help by being a donor. Sending more hugs and Prayers. Have a safe trip home.

Rhonda Emery said...

may your family be blessed through this awful time. I will pray for all of you that things get better from here. so sad. hugs

Unknown said...

Thinking of you and your brother's family!!

Stacy said...

Hey sweetie
Just getting you know I'm thinking about you
Hugs
Stacy

Unknown said...

Oh Audrey my heart goes out to you and your family. My father died suddenly at age 52 of a sudden heart attack and I don't think you ever get over the suddenness. God must really have needed your nephew to take him at such a young age. What a wonderful gift he has given to others though by being an organ donor. I think it is one of the most compassionate things a person can do. I'll be praying for you and yours. Your friend, Mary

Barb Craft said...

This is such a difficult time for you and the family. It is nice that you could be there to do what your brother needed and you are a huge blessing to your niece. I will continue to keep you in my prayers...
barb

Carol L said...

Praying for everything to go well. Have a blessed day!
Hugs, Carol L.

Sandy from Ukiah said...

Just stopping by to let you know that I am still praying for you and your family.... hugs

Pamela Levingston said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

lovemypaper said...

Glade you were able to be there for them take care!

Unknown said...

Oh, Audrey. I am so sorry to hear about your nephew. You and your family are in my prayers. Sending many, many, many {{{hugs}}}!

Rhonda Emery said...

miss you hope you get back soon.

Curt in Indy said...

What an awful thing to have to go through for everyone involved. However, I have to commend your nephew for the unselfish act of being a donor. What a great guy he was for doing so. I just think of all the lives he will touch for doing so. Have a safe flight home, and again, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Best, Curt

Sandy from Ukiah said...

Audrey, I hope you are home relaxing. I am still praying for you and your family my friend. hugs

Ladybug said...

Super {{{{{hugs}}}}} being sent to you, my dear friend!

DonnaMundinger said...

I'm sure your being there has brought comfort to your brother and family, especially your sweet niece. You are a strong and selfless woman, Audrey. My heart goes out to you and your family! xxD

Ohhh Snap said...

A very belated, but heartfelt, condelence on the loss of your nephew!