A grandmother is a mother who has a second chance

Friday, August 24, 2007

Sad end to the week

My Uncle Ralph passed away this morning. It wasn't unexpected. He's in his 80's, has lived in a nursing home for 2-3 years, and was recently put under hospice care. But that doesn't make it any less sad. He was my dad's younger brother and they were in the same nursing home. I talked to my dad today and all he could say was "My little brother's gone." Made me very sad.

Losing a family member is hard. Even though I didn't see my uncle often and we had never been especially close, he was part of our family and part of our history. And I know this will be very difficult on my dad. He feels so isolated and alone in the nursing home, but at least he had his brother close by. Now he's just there alone. I visit four or five times a year (he's in Chicago and I'm in California), but that's not enough - not for either of us. My brother lives in Chicago and so does my aunt (Dad's sister), and they visit often. But, as we go about our busy lives bopping from here to there on a whim, I often find myself thinking what it must be like for my dad to not be able to go anywhere by himself or do anything without someone else's help - and I imagine it must feel frustrating, frightening, and lonely. And now this.

So, it's been a tough day.

7 comments:

Desert Diva said...

I'm so very sorry for your (and especially your dad's) loss. The statement, "My little brother's gone." is heartbreaking.

Growing old is a natural part of life. However, growing old and being lonely seems so unfair.

{{{{{Hugs}}}}} to you and your dad during this sad time...

Calico Sky said...

I'm really sorry for you and your Dad's loss...you are right, it is like losing your history.
(((BIG HUGS)))

Jenni said...

It is indeed a sad day. I feel so bad for Gramps and cannot imagine how hard this must be for him. I hate that he's all alone in the nursing home now.

Halfmexican Mama said...

Sorry to hear of your family's loss Sandi..I guess you can always send your dad lots and lots of letters pictures and care packages!!

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear. Anytime we lose anyone it is so awful. Your poor Dad. (((hug for you)))

Wendy said...

I'm sorry for your loss. It is sad to watch them lose their friends and family members when there are so few left.

tunia said...

I'm so sorry.