Instead, I held off -- and I'm glad that now, after thinking a little more clearly, I altered the names and replaced the photos to ensure that I'd protect the family's privacy.
With all the death and loss going on lately, this isn't likely to be something folks will want to read, so I apologize to any who are offended by it and by the lack of direct political relevance.
I was recently re-energized with the intention of sharing the tale when I was reminded of too many similarities to another piece I'd recently read: Requiem for an (almost) four year old, by cynic of DailyKos -- posted Sunday, March 18, 2007.
I'm hoping to publish it as a book someday, with Q&A for families and resources for families with small surviving children who may need some help coping and explaining to the young ones about loss of a sibling.
Any suggestions on things that would be good resources or questions (ideally with answers) that could be included would be appreciated. Never, never brave me, nor my fury tempt: Downey wings, but wroth they beat Tempest even in reason's seat.
For instance, it's a very basic thing, but I'm always careful never to go away from anyone in my family (even if it's just going to work or to bed) if we're angry or have been fighting. I would not ever want the last memory of someone I love to be that of a fight or a grudge. Without worrying needlessly about unexpected tragedies, it's a nice thing to do anyway... don't let conflicts fester. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
Thanks for reading it, Jerome, and pointing out the truths you saw within. Never, never brave me, nor my fury tempt: Downey wings, but wroth they beat Tempest even in reason's seat.
I'm always careful never to go away from anyone in my family (even if it's just going to work or to bed) if we're angry or have been fighting. I would not ever want the last memory of someone I love to be that of a fight or a grudge.
Learn How to Die; Learn How to Live
"'Everybody knows they're going to die, but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently,' Morrie said. 'So we kid ourselves about death,' I (Mitch) said. 'Yes, but there's a better approach. To know you're going to die and be prepared for it at any time. That's better. That way you can be actually be more involved in your life while you're living. . . Every day, have a little bird on your shoulder that asks, 'Is today the day? Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do? Am I being the person I want to be?... The truth is, Mitch, once you learn how to die, you learn how to live... Most of us walk around as if we're sleepwalking. We really don't experience the world fully because we're half asleep, doing things we automatically think we have to do... Learn how to die, and you learn how to live.'" -- Tuesdays with Morrie
