Thursday, March 8, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #8

My list of thirteen reasons why March is a bittersweet month for me.

* My brother passed away on Friday, March 17th, 1990 at 12 midnight. He was in the 82nd Airborne Division stationed in North Carolina. On his way back to the barracks his friend lost control of the car and hit a tree. My brother died at the scene.

* The Army Chaplain visited my parents on Saturday two different times, but my parents weren't home. As is custom, no message was left. I'm thankful for that. It's better to have the news told in person.

* The Army Chaplain visited my parents, early Sunday morning. Which means it was 2 days before we knew my brother has passed away. It wasn't any one's fault. But the thought that we were going on with our lives not knowing that my brother had passed away, was painful.

* It felt like it took forever for his body to be released to us. Looking back now, I know it was all standard procedure.

* It took one week for us to receive his body.

* Being that he was "government property", he came with orders stating that his casket couldn't be opened. We had to go through hoops in order to "see" him. My mom wanted to make sure that it "was" brother. We were hopeful that this was a mistake.

* He was 19 and loved by all. Over 20 of his Army buddies flew down to Florida for his funeral. The funeral director said that he had never seen so many come and pay respect as they had for my brother. He had to open two adjoining rooms. My brother was well loved.

* He was buried on Friday, March 23.

* We got to hear others share wonderful stories about my brother.

* He got to see a picture of my third daughter, Daughter of the King, but he never got to hold her. He was thrilled that we had had another little girl.

* G.I. Joe was born on March 9, 1994. He was an answered prayer to our three little girls. They prayed day and night for a baby brother.

* Papa (my nephew) was born on March 25, 1996.

* Mr. Sheriff (my oldest nephew) was born on March 29, 1976. He holds a special place in my heart. First time I met him he was 6. He and I were sitting on his grandparents front steps looking at a magazine. I pointed out a picture of a beautiful girl. He looked up at me and told me, "You are the most beautiful girl I ever seen." Now tell me, does that not just melt your heart?!
This happened back in December 1981.



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



13 comments:

Rose DesRochers said...

Anniversaries of the death of a loved one are always a difficult time. You are in my thoughts & prayers. My condolences to your loss.

Rose
http://rosedesrochers.com

Unknown said...

Will be praying for you and your family..thanks for the list

The Gatekeeper said...

I'm sorry for the sadness in this particular month. I hope you can feel the prayers that go out to you and your family. Very couragous of you to even make this list.

Unknown said...

It seems as we get older there are more months with sadness from the loss of a loved one. You have good thoughts for him.. Take care this month!

Andi said...

*Hug*
*And another hug*

I am sorry that your brother passed like this & that he didn't get to hold his daughter. :-(

I would love to hear some of the funny stories about him. :-)

Raggedy said...

I am sorry for your loss.
Hugssssssssss
I lost my sister. It is very hard.
More hugssss
Thank you for sharing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

ChupieandJ'smama (Janeen) said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thanks for sharing your list with us.

Robin said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad your family has had some joy in March to help temper the sadness.

Carina said...

I'm glad that all your March memories aren't painful ones.

Thank you so much for your kind words about families and children. I'm glad there are so many women out there to share their wisdom.

Gina said...

Thanks for dropping by my blog. Your T13 is also partly about your "little brother" ,huh? He must have been a wonderful guy. Think happy memories of him.
Bittersweet month of March for you indeed..It's always a joyous occasion when babies are born!

Qtpies7 said...

March is bittersweet for me, too. Its the month my life fell apart, but its also the month that changed my life for the better in the long run. The anniversary is tomorrow.

Beth said...

My grandmothers birthday was March 23 and my youngest niece was born on March 25th. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, seems like he is very loved and still very missed.

Julie said...

March is a difficult month for me as well. My father passed away March 21, 2000 -- at the age of 47. At least, we think it was 03/21. Sorry for your loss.