Never Take For Granted The People You Love....

....they can be gone in an instant.  Today was a sad day here at the Brat Farm.  The Beast's younger brother, Jimmy, died early this morning of an unexpected heart attack.  He woke his wife, told her what he was feeling and she, having been a nurse, called the paramedics.  It took them 20 minutes to get there and she took the steps necessary that she had learned before she had to retire due to an on-the-job injury.  But, by the time they got him to the hospital, he had passed and couldn't be revived.  He is survived by his wife, Betty, his sister, Bonnie, as well as the Beast and his brother, Ted.  He has three married children, several great-grandchildren and a couple great-grands, too.  I don't remember the exact number at the moment because I am still upset and find myself crying over this at odd moments.  He was just 65.

I chatted with him a few days ago and he was feeling good.  I also am comforted by the fact that I said goodbye and *love you* when we got offline.  I meant it.  I always say that to the people I love when we finish talking or before they or I leave from a visit.   It has become second nature to me nowadays.  A small thing, perhaps, but I feel it's important.  It comforts me now.

The Beast was unsure of what he should do but it all depended on what his wife was planning.  As per Jim's wish, she is having him cremated but won't have a memorial service until after the Holidays.  I'm sure she plans to scatter his ashes on the lake behind their home.  He enjoyed being on the Board of the Association for the lake.  He spent many a day fishing and just showing his kids, grandkids, etc. how lovely it was while riding around it on his pontoon boat.  At least the Beast has had that decision put off for a while.

I caught him crying for a bit but he pulled himself together when he saw me.  I tried to comfort him but he really didn't want it and just accepted a hug before pushing me aside and clearing his throat.  But he teared up during some of the  phone calls he received from a few relatives that he hadn't seen or talked to in a while.  I've kept in touch with them via social media so they aren't really out-of-touch with us entirely.

When I called my kids and two of my sisters (the ones who actually KNEW Jim well from when he was a kid), they were shocked.  Especially Cee, who is only two weeks younger than Jim was.  The Beast said, *Once you start losing siblings, you know you are old.*  I wish my siblings long and happy lives.  Ditto my friends and family.  

I'm going to close this for tonight.  My heart is heavy for Betty, his children, grandchildren and great-grandkids.  It's also heavy for ME because I did love him and Betty both.  I had planned on seeing them next spring.  Life is funny.  Today is all we have; tomorrow is not promised.  ***Hugs***