A very close friend of mine lost her younger brother today - he was 49 (same age as me). He was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer on Sunday and underwent surgery on Monday. He was on life-support following surgery, but not even that could help him. His blood pressure dropped, and he was gone - his wife and sister by his side.

He was her only surviving relative. Her older brother died last year, and their parents have been gone for quite some time now.

When we were 16, my sister and Paulette had the bright idea to fix me up with her brother. It could have been a good match, but we got into an argument right from the start - I preferred riding fast horses, he preferred riding fast motorcycles. By the end of the evening, we weren't speaking to each other.

I've seen him off and on over the years, but the last time was a couple of years ago. I went to a horse show with my friend and Tyler and his wife were there. We talked about old times, and I teased him about his new-found interest in horses. With a twinkle in his eye, he said fast motorcycles were still more fun. Pffft.

My friend is torn apart over this - rightfully so. My heart is breaking for her because she's like a sister to me, and Tyler was like a long-lost brother.

Oddly enough, today is the anniversary of my mother's passing 16 years ago.

kathy

what a very hard day for you and your friend

i pray there will be comfort and encouragement for both of you

kathy,

i'm very sorry. sending you and your friend prayers of healing and comfort.

Kathy, I'm so so sorry to hear of the death of your friend. He didn't have to suffer long and is now at peace.
Prayers for your friend and all of her family,

Marilyn

Thanks ((Cheri, Curious and Corky))

He and I were considered troubled teens, but for different reasons. He was very close with his mother, but she died from breast cancer when he was 13 (my friend was 18). He got into a lot of trouble after that, and had a really hard life.

The last couple of years were happy for him though. He married a woman from China who hardly speaks English - if any, lol. When I met them, it was obvious language wasn't a problem for them, and they appeared to really love each other. It's nice to know she never left his side. She'll be going back to China - doesn't want to stay.

Kathy, I'm very sorry to hear about your friend's brother. So young too!
His wife probably feels so alone herself right now and is maybe going home to be with family of her own. I really feel for her and for your friend and for you. I'm very sorry. It's good that he had some happy years in recent times and that he was loved and that he didn't suffer terribly with his particular types of cancer.

I'm so sorry Kathy and that's waaaaaaaaay too young.

Kathy,

I'm so sorry for your, and your friend's, loss.

Please know that y'all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

KD

Sorry I'm late, how sad for all of you. I'll be praying for your healing.

Thanks everyone. His wake will be Sunday and funeral on Monday.

My friend was placed in the position of having to decide on discontinuation of life support. But, she left for a moment to check her phone messages first. An out-of-state distant cousin she hadn't seen in ages happened to be vacationing in the area and wanted to see him first.

Tyler was still on life-support when she returned to his room, but his blood pressure started to drop. He died on his own. She said after all the tubes were removed, he looked like he had a smirk on his face - the same smirk he used to have whenever he had the chance to help out his big sister. I'm thankful she didn't have to make that decision.

I'm gonna miss my fellow "wild heart."