Re: Death of a brother
My condolences on the loss of your brother .
I have experienced the pain of long-term terminal illness , as a medical proffesional , as a friend , and , as a family member .
It is never easy .
I have also experienced the stress and pain of dealing with those suffering from mental illnes .
My best friend , the closest person I have to a brother , has fought a long battle with drug addiction and bi-polar disorder .
He has attemted suicide on many occasions , and , had several times where he nearly died from an overdose .
He has been in and out of jail for many years , and , I have been the one that bailed him out , more often than not .
His relationship with his own family is strained , not all of this is his fault , as his disorder is hereditary .
I have learned that you have to let go , no matter how close this person is to you .
You never stop loving , you just have to reach an understanding that thier fate is BEYOND your abillity to control , and , is not your responsibility .
I am NOT my brothers keeper , BUT , I AM his BROTHER .
I will help , if I can , I will advise if you ask , BUT , you have your own life to lead and your own decisions to make . I have NO right to directly interfere unless you are an immediate danger to me , others , or , yourself .
If you are feeling guilty , because his passing has lifted a burden from your mind , imagine the burden that your brother has now been released from .
No more pain .
No more fear .
No more confusion .
PEACE , at last .
Time will slowly fade the negative aspects of your brothers life , and , leave the memories of good times bright in your mind .
These are the only memories that really matter , and , the greatest legacy we can hope to leave for our loved ones .
God bless .
