Thursday, September 27, 2007

Loss and Life

I have been significantly absent from the blogosphere - and did not even get an opportunity to visit our Fun Monday participants. I have been spending the last few days helping my husband and his family deal with the tragic and unexpected loss of his brother.

Roger and his brother, Gary, were only 18 months apart in age - and though my husband is incredibly resilient and strong, I know this will all become a harsh reality as the days pass.

This loss has changed us both, but in a positive way. We have held each other closer, been more tender with our words, and been more loving with our daughter. We are examining our lives more closely and realizing how much we take for granted. We have renewed our committment to one other as a family - and though I know there will be rough days ahead, I feel even more determined to live each day to its fullest.

I hope that each of you, rather than feel any sympathy for us, will look at your loved ones in a new light, appreciate them for who they are, and take that extra moment to let them know how much they mean to you. Make every day count.

25 comments:

Schmoop said...

Sorry to hear that Tigger. Condolences to you, your husband, and your family.

Anonymous said...

Oh T -

I am so sorry. What a terrible loss. I'll be keeping you and Roger in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

My sincere condolences to you, Roger and Mini Tiff. And of course to Roger's brother's family.

Desert Songbird said...

My condolences to y'all, T.

Yours in not the only loss I've heard of this past week, and I am indeed, as a result, more sensitive to the presence of my loved ones lately.

Hugs to you and the rest.

BS said...

Treasure your memories of him - they can never be taken from you. Sincere sympathy to you and your family.

Unknown said...

I never feel I have good enough words to express my sympathy at times like these. It's a good reminder to the rest of us. I haven't suffered a loss in my family for a while but I try to love them all now.

theotherbear said...

My condolences - my thoughts are with you and your family.

raffi said...

my condolences. i just spent the week with my family and i realized how much i miss and love them. you're right, we need to convey these things because we don't know what tomorrow brings. God bless.

Anonymous said...

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Oh Tiffany. Hugs to all of you.

Desert Songbird said...

I can't believe with all of this going on, you had time to send me a package. I received it today, and I was deeply touched by your sentiment.

Hugs back to you, friend.

Pamela said...

I love that Irish saying;
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

... nothing else can be said... really.

except I am sorry.

ChrisB said...

My sincere condolences to all of you. I think the Irish saying that Pamela quoted is very apt.

M@ said...

It's okay, Tig. Fun Monday was so lame anyway this week!

(:)X====

M@ said...

Hope you're feeling well, tho.

Tiggerlane said...

Hey Guys....

Thanks so much for your thoughts, condolences, concerns, hugs, prayers, and well wishes. I was leery about posting this at all - but felt it was something that was so dramatic in my life thus far that it couldn't be ignored. Besides, it was an opportunity for me to remind everyone to treasure those around you.

Plus, I am pleased that it has brought our own family closer. Visitations, gatherings, phone calls, flowers, etc....have allowed us to reconnect with people that we don't see as much as we should. Now, we are resolved to share our blessing more - and make time for those around us.

Love you guys - my blogger friends! And we finally feel things returning to some sense of normalcy...

Thank you all again...

T

Kila said...

My condolences to the whole family. I'm so sorry for the loss. Hugs and prayers for you all.

Tiggerlane said...

kila - thanks for your kind thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Tiffany, I am so sorry for your family's loss; it made me immediately think of my sister who is 16 months older than me, and thinking about losing her helps me imagine what Roger is feeling (although I know I can't really...).

Your attitude is precious, looking for how you've been blessed through the reconnecting of family; and your encouragement to your readers to love their family in spite of your pain is lovely.

My prayers continue to be with you all...I know there will be definite ups and downs.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your family's loss. It is terrible to lose a loved one at a younger age than expected, and does remind us to hold our dear ones close. Thank you for sharing and reminding us.

Tiggerlane said...

Thanks again for all of your kind words...amazing, but the grief is really starting to hit now. I think the next few weeks will finally bring some peace to our family.

Unknown said...

Wow, I only just saw this Tigger. Bless all your hearts. My deepest sympathies.

(And I'm definitely appreciating the time I've got with my loved ones.)

xo

Tiggerlane said...

tiger lamb girl - thank you - believe it or not, it is still a tough thing to get over, so I truly appreciate your sympathies.

Anonymous said...

Okay, bloggity friend...at least you got this one...still sending hugs your way....

Tiggerlane said...

Thanks, robin - it's getting better, as the days pass...