Monday, May 12, 2008

Tragedy

I can't even imagine the pain and heartache my mom and her family are feeling right now. When I called to say Happy Mother's Day to my mom yesterday I could tell immediately that something was wrong. Mom didn't sound well and the more we talked the more I could tell she isn't herself right now, she is deeply depressed and in shock. She told me her baby brother was killed on Friday. Mom always thought Richard was so incredibly handsome. I know brothers aren't the best at keeping in touch, but that doesn't sever the bond you feel with them. I imagine that losing a sibling would feel like loosing part of your childhood, part of yourself.

I feel even worse for my grandparents. They had eight children together and five of them have died. The horror of outliving even one child is almost unbearable, but to lose so many is absolutely tragic.

I've never been very close with my mom's side of the family. Most of them live in Florida and I don't see them very often. I didn't even meet my uncle Danny until three summers ago at a family reunion. I knew uncle Richie as a kid when he lived in Arizona near us for a couple years. When he moved back to Florida I didn't see him again for something like 15 years. When I did see him we didn't really talk much or bond, but I'm still sad that he's gone. He left behind a wife, four daughters, and four stepsons. He loved Nascar. I don't know much else about him but I know he'll be missed by a lot of people.

He was killed instantly when he was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle. Richard was 48.


Uncle Richie, my mom, and Grandpa Bob.


My mom, her parents and all of her living siblings. These pictures were taken June 2005, since then, the two brothers on the left have died.


Uncle Richie and his wife.

8 comments:

Andy said...

I am so sorry for you and your family's loss, Em. That is such a sad thing and made worse by holidays. Those few visits sure end up being special. I bet you missed your mom yesterday. We love you.

sjmiller said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. How heartbreaking!

What a great tribute to him though that you remember what you do!

((((hugs going to your family!))))

Tori :) said...

I'm sorry for your family's loss. :( Having lost a sibling I know it sucks.

Klin said...

So sad. I can't even imagine how your mom must be feeling.

Hugs to and prayers for you all.

Lorena said...

So sad! I'm sorry! You know.. I have not seeing my sister for 3 years and like you say.. the bond still in place and I do not think that it will never go away.
Lorena

Nancy Face said...

I am so very sorry. I feel awful for your mom. One of my brothers died from a brain tumor three years ago, and I understand how heartbreaking it is.

This was a great tribute.

Skye said...

I am so sorry, I can't imagine having to lose a child. My brother-in-law just died 3 weeks ago too and it really put things in perspective for me. It makes me want to be a better person because you really could go at any time.

Teddy said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Our prayers are with you all.