Ted's brother Ray ,in the white shirt here, passed away yesterday afternoon. He flew off to heaven into the arms of our Lord. Into the arms of his mother, another gentle spirit. This photo is not new, rather old...but it's all I have on my files. This is some of Teddy Bear's family. Ray, Cliff, Ted, standing. Dorothy, Thelma(mom), & Betty. There was another brother Roger, who died of diabetes very young. Their sister Brenda passed last year with lung cancer. Their younger brother Mickey was just married a couple years ago. Eight children, one rough father and one gentle loving mother. She balanced the roughness of the father. We miss her.
We had said our good byes to Ray, last week , before he was put on the morphine. While he was able to talk . We recall , Cliff came into the hospital room , wearing a floral Hawaiian shirt, he normally wears western shirts. Ray looked at him and said, "wow, that's a shirt !" Everyone laughed.
There will be a family memorial service next week. Ray only had less than 2 months, when we thought it could be 6 months to a year. The mesothelioma cancer had spread to his bones.
I wanted to let all of you caring bloggers know. To thank you once again for you loving prayers and kind words. You are appreciated so very much. Bless you. XO
Oh I am sorry to find you and your family in a time of loss. How wonderful that your loved one is safely home. Nevertheless, grief is a journey that we all take and it is a challenge. Peace and comfort to you and yours...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Vee. Grief is a strange hold on us some times. I say the pain eases, the longing never goes away. Bless you, Susie
DeleteSusie, so sorry to hear this news. Wish I could have known Ray. He sounds like a great guy. Will be praying for you and his family as you go through this time. The grief gets less as time goes by, but the memories stay strong. And love never fades.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy. My last words to Ray were, " I will see you again. " I do believe we will all be together again one day. Ted's brother may met my brother now. I lost my brother in Feb. Bless you, Susie
DeleteI'm sorry to hear of your family's loss, Susie. It's a hard time as we get older and start to say many goodbyes. I don't know how people would do it without faith of what is waiting for us. Sending loving thoughts and prayers your way. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda...It is so true, as we age we lose loved ones and old friends. I know there are very few of our parents' friends left. To know there's a life after our earthly life makes it bearable. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
DeleteSorry to hear of your BIL's passing..It's a blessing that he didn't linger..He's at peace..
ReplyDeleteMissy, That is the part that we could not take...to think he was in extreme pain. We will miss Ray, but we have joy knowing he is with God. xoxo,Susie
Deletemy condolences sweet Susie, to your family as well,
ReplyDeleteThank you Laurie. We know he is in no more pain and is whole again. xoxo,Susie
DeleteOh so sad, so many losses. I am thinking going sooner might have been a good thing. Hugs my friend to you and your husband.
ReplyDeleteDebby, We would have loved having Ray here longer, but not in the extreme pain he was trying to endure. He is well now and that ease our loss. Bless you, xoxo,Susie
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss, Susie. Going home to meet his Lord reminds me of the song, 'I Can Only Imagine,' which makes us ponder what it will be like when we meet our Lord, as your brother-in-law has done. Prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJudy, I love that song so much. Knowing Ray he is dancing for Jesus. He loved God. Thank you for the prayers. xoxo,Susie
DeleteSincere condolences on the loss of your family member Ray. Now reunited in heaven with those loved ones who welcome him with open arms. Free from pain, and sitting at the Lord's table.....
ReplyDeleteHugs
~Jo
Thank you Jo. I am sure Ray is in heaven. That gives us peace. Bless you, xoxo,Susie
DeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep your family in my prayers. Please give your husband my condolences, my friend. Sweet hugs to you both, Diane
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane. Your prayers touch our hearts. We know that Ray is happy and healthy once again. xoxo,Susie
DeleteSo sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteKris
Kris, thank you so much. It is hard to see my Teddy cry. I have only seen that happen about a dozen times. We appreciate your prayers. xoxo,Susie
DeleteMy deepest sympathy, Susie. My prayers continue for each you during this difficult time. Sending love across the miles.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Mildred. Your prayers mean so much to the family, all of us. I thought today, what more I have said to my BIL....I know that one day we shall see him again. Bless you, xoxo,Susie
DeleteSusie - so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Thank you Judy. Your prayers are appreciated so much. Blessings to you, xoxo,Susie
DeleteDear Susie, It is always bittersweet when a loved one passes from this life to the next. Glad you know where Ray will be-in the presence of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteMay the entire family feel a peace that passes understanding, even in the midst of grief.
Hugs, Noreen
Noreen, Knowing how much Ray loved our Lord, I feel sure he is in His presence now. Grief takes time to ease. Know Ray is not in pain and is whole again helps. Bless you, xoxo,Susie
DeleteSo very, very sorry. Praying for your family . . .
ReplyDeleteThank you for the prayers. We are happy to receive them. xoxo,Susie
DeleteDear Susie, I am so sorry about Ray. Your words to him were the same as I said to my sweet aunt back in September. I wasn't with her, but my daughter was and holding a phone to her ear. She told me over and over she loved me and I know Ray loved his family and it's comforting to know you will see him again. The pain of separation is always there, but lessens a bit with time. You just never get over missing them, tho. I will be praying for you and your family. Hugs, Cheryl
ReplyDeleteCheryl, Ray did tell us all that he loved us so much. I am sure we will all meet again. It helps to know he is not in pain and with our Lord. You are right about he pain of loss easing...the longing to hold them goes on. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
DeleteIt takes the sting out knowing that your Ray is with Jesus now. I'm so sorry for the loss to your family. The Lord's peace and comfort be with you all.
ReplyDeleteNonnie, That you for the good wishes. I know Ray is with his mother and our Lord. Bless you, xoxo,Susie
DeleteSo sad to read of your loss. We all know that one day death will be waiting for us, but its hard when we do lose a loved one. He and you all have your faith, which will be so helpful in the days to come, and as you, I believe that we shall all meet again and be together once more. hugs and prayers from across the pond, J
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Janzi for your prayers. We appreciate them. It's been a tough illness for Ray, but we know he is with the Lord. Blessings to you and yours, xoxo,Susie
DeleteI am so sorry Susie! Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteRebecca Ersfelds husband passed suddenly yesterday also. I read that on facebook. So very sad at any time, but especially when it is unexpected.
HUGS!!
Sandi, I am so sorry to hear of Rebecca's husband. I miss blogging with her. I do not facebook so I miss a lot. Thank you for your prayers. They mean a lot to all of us. Bless you, xoxo,Susie
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear of you and your family's loss.. Sending up lots of prayers for everyone. Big Hugs, xo
ReplyDeleteThank you Susie. You are so kind. We are touched by each prayer. Blessings to you, love Susie
DeleteSending prayers to all, Susie. Hugs. xo Nellie
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet friend. We love that so many others care. It touches our hearts. Blessings to you, xoxo,Susie
DeleteI'm so sorry. I often thought of him since you first let us know how sick he was, altho I didn't know him, I know he was dear to you. Love to all of you.
ReplyDeleteSusie- I am late getting here today. I am so so so sorry. I know how awful it is to lose a brother. You have certainly had some sad losses in your family. I will keep you in my prayers and ask that your burden be light because you know he is gone to a better place.
ReplyDeleteYou won Kris's giveaway and I just got your book packaged and will get it out to you tomorrow. Hope it makes a little bright spot in your day when you get it.
Love to you, sweet Susie- xo Diana
Bless all of you as you grieve and mourn. It seems that so many of Ted's family died so young......
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers for you and yours from Texas...
I am so very sorry for yet another loss! Believing that each of you will find joy after the mourning and remember the good times! You are in my prayers! Blessings, Cindy xoxo
ReplyDeleteSusie, I'm so sorry to hear this. Ray is no longer suffering, and please let Ted know how sorry I am to hear about his brother. It seems like we all have been following his story along with you, Susie. This is a nice picture that you'll always have of the family. Is that Ted with the long hair?
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today, Susie, and sending you a great big hug.
love, ~Sheri