First off, I should probably be talking about National Running Day, but I’m not really in the mood to do that at the moment.
My previously mentioned Weekend of Awesome came to a crashing halt on Monday evening, when I found out that my Aunt Brenda (my Mom’s younger sister) was in the hospital. She had gone in a few days earlier for what she thought was a UTI, and at some point on Monday morning went into respiratory and then cardiac arrest and ended up on life support. The doctors tried several different things to see if she would recover, but she never did, and it was clear that she never would. She was taken off of life support last night and passed away shortly thereafter.
I hate it to admit it, but we were not especially close in these last few years. She used to stay with us sometimes when I was a kid, and she’d be at family outings, but a series of events in later years caused some communication issues between various members of my Mothers extended family. Through all of that, she was an innocent bystander, because she had never done anything to anyone. I always loved her, would ask how she was doing, and would see her on occasion at a few family events, but I’m ashamed to say that I never really reached out to her directly until it was too late.
I’m taking this a little harder than I anticipated. Partly because of what I said above, but also because it’s strange to hear how just last week she was telling my other Aunt about how excited she was to have lost weight, and how excited she was about some plans she had for the week. That was just last week, and then she was in a hospital bed, and now she is gone. And no one is able to give us a straight answer as to how or why this happened.
Sufficed to say, it’s been a tough few days, and there are going to be a few more tough ones ahead. I probably won’t be blogging for the next few days, but Marathon Week is still on as planned (I’ll definitely need it after all of this) and starts next Monday.
I want to thank the ICU staff at Franklin Square Hospital Center, especially my Aunt’s nurses, who names I unfortunately don’t remember. They dealt with my Aunt and all of the extended family with extreme compassion, and I will be forever grateful.
To my Aunt Brenda, I wish we had stayed close, but I always loved you, and I will miss you. I know life hasn’t always been easy for you, but you are in better place now and I am grateful for that. Give Aunt Florence my love, and take care of Kacie and Josey for me, they need someone to play with :) I will always remember you, and will see you again someday. I love you.
Brenda Denise Kaizer
1967-2011
My Aunt Brenda as a child.
I am so sorry for your loss. When we lose someone, there is always a sense of regret. I praying for you and your family. I unfortunately know how hard it is to lose someone so suddenly. It seems so unfair. *hugs*
A Girl Who Loves Cupcakes´s last blog ..Work- Gym- School- Life
My heart goes out to you man. Sorry you’re going through this. Loss can be really hard. Like really hard. Let me know if I can do anything…
Ryan @NoMoreBacon´s last blog ..Happy National Running Day!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Know that I am here for you.
sharla @ 262milejourney´s last blog ..Life is short and I hate cancer
Wow.
I am so sorry. That is very tough and unexpected.
My thoughts are with you. That was a very kind thing you did for your aunt, I hope it helps you in your grieving.
Re: Nat’l Running Day, I ran today, and on my mind was the challenge…..ahhh…I am a little nervous down here in sweaty Northern VA.
Hang in there, Steve.
Laurie´s last blog ..National Running Day
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss, Steve. You and your family will be in my thoughts! <3
Melissa (@MelGetsFit)´s last blog ..It’s a Brand New Day
Sending hugs and prayers your way.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss Steve.
David H.´s last blog ..Normalcy
I’m so sorry about your aunt, Steve. She sounds like a lovely lady, and I’m certain she’s heard your message.
“There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?” -Woody Allen
David (Keep it up, David)´s last blog ..Chart Update AND a Perfect Spring Salad
Steve, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Big hugs for you.
Kimberley´s last blog ..Let the recording begin
Thinking of you and your family!
**HUGS** to you – losing someone is never easy.
PTG1002´s last blog ..say goodbye to comfort
I’m so sorry to hear this news Steve…will say a prayer for you and your family tonight.
Craig´s last blog ..A Tale of Two Weigh-Ins
I’m so sorry Steve. I’m here if you need ANYTHING! Sending love, hugs, thoughts, and prayers your way!
Brittany´s last blog ..Fitbloggin recap
I’m so sorry to hear about your Aunt Steve… please let me know if there is anything at all that Bill & I can do for you or your family…
Aww, kiddo, I’m so sorry that you are hurting. Imagine a big Charlie hug happening right now. Sigh… I wish we were living closer to each other. I’d be right there for you.
I’m sorry for your loss, I can only imagine how you’re feeling. You have made we want to get in touch with some of my family that I haven’t talked to in a while now with similar reasons as yourself for not talking to them.
If there’s anything you need let us know … see you for Marathon Week!
Sean @ Learn Fitness´s last blog ..May Training Summary- June’s Gonna Hurt!
so sorry to hear this Steve… thinking of you buddy xx
shauna´s last blog ..New Years Goals Check-in- May
That’s a great post. I would like to say thanks for telling us your idea’s. I will for sure bookmark your page.
Jeannine´s last blog ..Deck Cleaning Before and After