Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Remembering Michael

Mike&Vann
Vann and Michael

The past two years have been an unbelievably sad time in our close-knit neighborhood. In late 2008, Vann was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Shortly afterwards, Gene and Maria's son Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer and began his battle. Vann died in September 2009. A little more than a year later, while Michael was still fighting his cancer, Michael's father Gene was also diagnosed with brain cancer. Two months later, Gene was gone. 

On Saturday, Michael lost his earthly battle and went to be with his dad and Vann. I know the three of them are glad to be back together again and have a lot of catching up to do, but the ones of us left behind are heartbroken. So much loss in less than two years. I'm not even sure how to feel about it all. I feel an emotional numbness that I've never felt before.

I have a wonderful picture of the three of them--Vann, Michael, and Gene--somewhere. I have looked for it all day to no avail. When I ever come across it, I'm going to post it.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 08/30/2011, Valerie said ...

I am so sorry. This is so pitiful. All of it. I am sure that I don't know what you all are feeling but it even makes me so sad. What a reunion though and the hope that you will see them all again. Thank goodness for that hope. My prayers and thoughts are with you.


On 08/30/2011, Barbara Anne said ...

How very sad. My deep sympathy to each and every one who loved Vann, Gene, and Michael and especially to dear Maria. As the song says, "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be ..."

My prayers for peace and comfort are with you all.

Hugs, my friend.


On 08/30/2011, Helen in Switzerland said ...

So sad for you. Michael looks so young and Vann so full of life. Sometimes life is so cruel and so hard for those left behind. Thinking of you Susan xx


On 08/30/2011, Beverly said ...

Oh my, so much lost. I will hold you all very close in my heart and prayers.

It is impossible to know how to feel at times like this. I know the love you all share will endure.♥


On 08/30/2011, Jan said ...

What an unspeakable loss to you and your friends. I'm sure the sadness will last for a very long time. We're thinking the good thoughts for all of you and know that the men are together in a better place.


On 08/30/2011, Debra said ...

Cancer just has to be the worst villian amongst us. It robs so many -- not just the person but those who love them. I'm so sorry.


On 08/30/2011, LaVoice said ...

So much sorrow and grief for one family. It is very hard to understand the whys sometimes. Blessings to this family.


On 08/30/2011, Debby Messner said ...

That is so sad.
All three gone too soon. I can't believe that the father and son both had brain cancer. So sorry for all of you.


On 08/30/2011, Sandy said ...

Oh Susan, I am so sorry for all of you who loved these precious men. Heaven is richer but they have sure left a big hole here on earth, haven't they? I will be praying for all of you.


On 08/30/2011, Ann Marie said ...

I have noticed this year that it seems that there are a lot of people dying. Almost everyday I have one customer or another come in to tell me about someone in their family that has just passed on. Sorry you had 3 in such a short time, I think it goes in cycles, because there are also a lot of babies be born right now too.


On 08/30/2011, Joanne Cage said ...

This picture of Vann makes me smile and want to cry at the same time. My heart aches for him, and for Gene and Michael and the ones they've left behind.


On 08/30/2011, Donna said ...

I feel for you Susan. My prayers are with you and their family. So sad. I know they are all together in Heaven now.
My immediate family lost 4 members in 2 years. Today would have been Amber's 32nd b'day ...
Hugs,
Donna


On 08/31/2011, Kathleen said ...

So sorry for all this loss of people so close to you.My late Mother lost her younger brother suddenly and then my Father a few weeks later,she was devastated as you can well imagine.The human spirit has to endure so much on this earth...........praying for strength for you.


On 08/31/2011, carol said ...

It is okay and normal to feel numb. But come back soon so that they can live again through your shared memories and love for them.


On 08/31/2011, Diane W said ...

What can I say.....may God help you and Maria find peace and strength until you meet your loved ones again.


On 08/31/2011, Nancy C. in Utah said ...

Oh Susan, I'm so sorry for your loss. So many, in such a short time...I can't begin to imagine the heartache you are suffering right now, but please know I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs and may God Bless...


On 08/31/2011, Bonnie said ...

Thinking of you and your friends and family. Take care of each other.


On 09/02/2011, Mama Pea said ...

My heart is breaking for you and for Gene and Michael's family. I am so sad. Thinking of you.
-----


No comments:

Post a Comment