My dear brother, friend and mentor Michael died on Thursday afternoon at 3:30 - he has been battling brain cancer for the past year. He is now released - free from pain and all limitations. He was a brilliant man - a charismatic person that attracted people to him everywhere he traveled - a truly unique individual. I will miss him so. Death and Life inextricably linked. Michael, you will be forever - in my heart - I am filled with sorrow and with gratitude for your friendship.
Not only was Michael my friend - he was my teacher and guide or many years and in so many ways - he was a strong support and ongoing encouraging presence when I stepped out to leave my "paycheck" job and become a consultant. He was one of the best organizational development consultants on the planet, working nationally and internationally.
There are other reasons I have not posted for a few days, besides being crazy-busy and talking to my mother every two hours and I will update the blog again tomorrow.
This post is at the center of my heart tonight. Michael loved the Southwest and spent lots of time camping, hiking, and communing with nature in those amazing spirit-filled hills. He was a musician and loved music - so, here is a song, for Michael, with love - Shalom.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you peace and positive energy.
ReplyDeletei am glad your friend is no longer suffering, but i am so very sorry that he is gone from an active role in your life. i know he will always be present in your life and that you will miss him in so many ways. your beautiful tribute to him is very touching.
ReplyDeletei am surprised by how many cases of brain cancer we are hearing about. i have one friend with it now. someone in our community here died from it recently. i have read in the past month about 2 other cases. then there is ted kennedy. it just seems strange to me since a decade or so ago i knew no one who'd had brain cancer or brain tumors other than susan hayward.
That's a beautiful picture you posted at the start of your post. When I think of my daughter, I see an image quite similar as she goes into the next life.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you Suzann. You see when we lose someone dear, they are actually fine in the next world. It is us here left behind that suffer, as we miss them so.
Tender hugs, my dear sister in sorrow.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you Suzann...I cannot imagine the pain of this loss. Having a dear brother, myself, It is just unimagineable.....I send you prayers and hugs, my dear.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss. You paid him a beautiful tribute
ReplyDeleteOh Suzann, I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. Your post was a very sweet and heartfelt tribute to him. I have only one brother...I can't imagine losing him. My love to you sweet friend....
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I've ever seen a more beautiful photographic portrait of someone than this.
ReplyDeleteLove/Peace,
Sunny
Suzann,
ReplyDeleteI do not know what to say or write.
You have struggled so much with grief and "taking care of" so many and "so much" in the past years.
And now this: Your Brother's death and all you have to do related to your Mother.
I did learn to know you, personally only some few months ago:
You are beautiful, you can act strong, you are very professional,creative,giving but also very fragile (we both knows). The last you have communicated on your blog and also shown me in real life. For me, you are a real person. A person that I will forever remember, respect and love.
I hope, you will have the chance to realize what you told me in August: Have a year - a time - to find back to your new life.Released.
btw. Anna says: You must tell Suzann how flattered I'm to have received Minnesota Wild Rice as a gift.
She has told all our friends about it, and they (the friends) envy us for having such a wonderful friend.
Thus, it's our time to send you something from Norway. What do you want? 4 X-mas