Toby

Late this morning, Tim’s brother died here at our home, where he had come to live out his last days with terminal bladder cancer. He was only 53, and he struggled to live fully until the bitter end. We feel blessed by all the family who have come at various times to help us through this sad chapter in our lives. Fran and Josh were here at the end, and we are all relieved that Toby has been released from his suffering.

Our life is a faint tracing on the surface of mystery.
~ Annie Dillard
(Pilgrim at Tinker Creek)

22 thoughts on “Toby”

    1. Thank you, Janet, for all the times you helped me take a break and for coming to Toby’s early last Christmas with your gang. He really seemed to be enjoying the festivities…

    1. Thank you, Joanne. It means a lot to us to know so many people cared. It was a long hard road for all of us to travel, and I suspect it will take us a good while to recover from this sadness. It still feels surreal… *hugs*

  1. My dear Barbara,
    Very sad to hear the news about your brother-in-law. My sincere condolences to all of you, especially Tim.

    I also like the Annie Dillard quote.

    ((hugs))
    rosie

    1. Dearest Rosie, thank you for your condolences and kind words. Even when we expect someone to die it still comes as a shock when it finally happens. We did the best we could for him, and hope he will find the next leg of his journey more peaceful… *hugs*

    1. Thank you, Robin, and I’m glad you liked the quote, too. Life here has been disrupted for some time now, and things will never be the same, but we’re looking forward to a peaceful new “normal” when the dust finally settles.

  2. Going backwards to catch up your posts, Barbara. Had gathered from reading further on that your brother-in-law, Toby, had passed on and want to express my heartfelt condolences to you and your husband. Sending healing for you both to find that ‘new normal’ and a more soothing year ahead. Lots of love and hugs. XO

    1. Thank you so much, Diane. It’s a mystery the twists and turns our life’s journey takes us through – here we are now, nine months later, expecting a new granddaughter any minute!

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