In need of some CF comfort....

15 years ago

Today is my youngest brother Bill's birthday.

He would have been 41 today, but he died in a snowmobile accident in Colorado last month (26 days ago). I am particularly sad today, and could certainly use some good CF thoughts and prayers- as I'm sure could the rest of my family today.

He was on a snowmobile trip with his wife's younger brothers. Her mom and grandmom had flown out to spend time with her and the boys while Bill was in Colorado. Her grandmom left a couple of weeks ago, but her mother is still with her.

The group (nine of them I think) were on their last ride before they got on their airplanes to go home. He had been snowmobiling before, and wasn't doing anything stupid, according to a retired doctor who was also on the trip. (these guys go every year). He was on a groomed trail, following the guide, wearing his helmet, when his vehicle hit some patch in the snow (icy? soft? tree root?) and he lost control. He hit a tree (apparently the only tree in the whole big field). It knocked his helmet off, broke his neck and he died instantly, although they administered CPR for about 25 minutes, he was gone.

I am the oldest of 4, and while we are spread out geographically, our family is very close. I currently live the closest to Bill's family - about 90 minutes (or 4 hours if it's rush or season!!). My sister and her family are in SW Florida (where my parents also live) and my other brother and his family live in Virginia, but he is currently stationed in Iraq. Bill was close to all of us in different ways, but also very close to his nieces and nephew.

My husband and I are going to visit Bill's wife, and two young sons on Sunday. (Her roommate from college flew in yesterday to be with her this weekend) His kids are 18 months and 3 months old. He and his wife had been married 12 years but together for 20 - dating in college. They had been trying for kids for a while and these are post-fertility treatment miracle babies.

I was on my way to my parents to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary (valentine's day) when the accident happened. My dad and sister's husband told me when they got me in the car at the airport. My older brother (younger than me, but older of the two) had been in Iraq one week. He had his first 4-star briefing then they told him the news. He was able to come home on bereavement for 3 weeks, while the guy he was replacing stayed those additional weeks. We are so thankful to him and his family for that sacrifice.

The memorial was two weeks ago.

The CF is legendary for it's strength and support and I could use a little of that energy today. Thanks.

Here is a link that might be useful: CBS 4 Denver news video

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Comments (40)

centralcacyclist
15 years ago
I'm so terribly sorry, words leave me. Cyber hugs aren't nearly enough comfort but I'll send all you want.

Eileen
cloudy_christine
15 years ago
I'll be thinking of you on this sad day. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Karen
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wizardnm
15 years ago
There are no words. Just plenty of hugs.

I lost my younger brother in a freak car accident 30 yrs ago and still have a hard time each year when his birthday rolls around.

Nancy
mustangs81
15 years ago
Elizabeth, That is very tragic. I spent the week with my two brothers. While we weren't close as kids (I didn't like them), we have developed a mature and close relationship. I can't imagine loosing one of them.

You have my sympathies.
Cathy
dedtired
15 years ago
Oh Bizzo, I have no words. What a heartbreak. These are the times when the strength of family is so precious.

Your whole family, but especially Bill's wife and young children, will be in my thoughts and my heart.
compumom
15 years ago
There really are no words for a tragedy like this, just tears and hugs of support for your entire family. My thoughts are with you all.
adoptedbygreyhounds
15 years ago
My heart goes out to you and all of both families. Sending cyber hugs your way.

Elisabeth, aka Beeba (I also have a younger brother Bill.)
shaun
15 years ago
OH my gosh. I'm really so very sorry. Sending peaceful vibes to you and your family.

My youngest daughter is going to Colorado on a ski trip with a group of friends on the 19th. Now I'm worried.
susie_que
15 years ago
Thia is such a tragidy for your family.
Damn life is just so unfair??

Add me to the list of folks holding you in a circle of friendship...so go ahead and cry-we'll all be here to hold you up.

God Bless you and your Family.

PEACE!
Susie
doucanoe
15 years ago
Oh dear....Bizzo, I am so sorry to hear of this unthinkable tragedy.

Sending lots of hugs to you and all the family. We're all here for you during this difficult time.

Linda
User
15 years ago
Oh Elizabeth how sad. My thoughts are with you and your family. Everyone must be devastated by such a young and tragic death. No words can express my deep sympathies. Losing a sibling is so hard, especially when you are close and I can't even begin to imagine your parents grief as well as your SIL's. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sharon
annie1992
15 years ago
Oh, Bizzo, I'm so sorry. You and your family will all be in my thoughts and prayers, especially those two little miracle babies.

Hugs to you, and peaceful thoughts and prayers for strength.

Annie
goldgirl
15 years ago
Bizzo - I am so, so sorry and will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

Sue
lsr2002
15 years ago
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry that this terrible accident happened. I hope you feel the warmth of the CF and wish I could actually hug you.

Lee
gardengrl
15 years ago
I also am so very sorry for you and your family. My heart goes out to you today.
claire_de_luna
15 years ago
Thinking of you today...((hugs))
caliloo
15 years ago
I am so sorry for your loss.... I will keep you in my prayers.

Alexa
dgkritch
15 years ago
Asking God to hold you and your entire family in the palm of his hand. To provide comfort and strength for all of you.

I'm sorry.

Deanna
Bizzo
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you everyone. I feel the cyberhugs, for sure. I'm still a bit numb...
riverrat1
15 years ago
Bizzo, I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a close family member is something that I wish no one ever has to go through. I will be thinking and praying for you and your family during this incredible tough time.

I wish I could really hug you.

(((((((Bizzo)))))))
Tracey_OH
15 years ago
How awful for you and your family. I also am so sorry for all the pain you are going through. Please know that we are here for you any time you need us.

Tracey
mer4205
15 years ago
Oh no Bizzo! I am so sorry for your loss - if you need to talk
you can call me. I'll send you an email. -maria
lakeguy35
15 years ago
I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Special thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Sending a big ole (((hug))) too.

David
JoanM
15 years ago
I am so sorry Bizzo. I just lost my brother 3 weeks ago and you post just sent me bawling again. It is so sad. I know how you feel. You just can't replace a sibling and when they are taken so young it is traumatic. It seems so unfair but I like to think that they were just ready for their next adventure. It helps me try to make sense of it.

I will say a prayer for you and your family.
fearlessem
15 years ago
Bizzo I am so sorry for you and your family's loss... I will just keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers...

Hang in there,
Emily
pkramer60
15 years ago
Bizzo and Joan, I send you both strong heartfelt hugs and cuddles. Losing a sibling is hard.
brenda55
15 years ago
My deepet sympathies to you and your family. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Brenda
sands99
15 years ago
Oh Bizz I'm so very sorry for your loss. A coworker/friend gave me a card after I lost my Grandma and it said "A love remembered is never lost". It made me feel a squidge better. I know you will always hold him in your heart as evidenced by this post.

Hold the good memories I'm sure there are many. (((((())))))
bunnyman
15 years ago
Hopefully you can take a little comfort from knowing he was having fun when the end came. I have sisters that care about me and can tell you how much it means to have someone like you in their life.

I'll just shut up now and sit here miles from you but with you none the less.... thank-you for being a great sister.

lyra
canarybird01
15 years ago
Bizzo I'm so very sorry for you and your family and am sending cyber hugs and my warmest thoughts for you all.

I also have a younger brother and couldn't imagine how painful it would be to lose him.

Know that we are thinking of you and, as they say in Spanish, ...

...."te acompaÃ±o en tus sentimientos"....."I accompany you in your feelings".

SharonCb
teresa_nc7
15 years ago
To Bizzo and Joan: my sincerest sympathy on the recent loss of your brothers. Reach out for the love and support of family and friends to help get you through this difficult time. Hugs to both of you.

Teresa
sally2_gw
15 years ago
Bizzo, I'm so sorry this happened. I can't imagine losing one of my siblings. My heart and prayers go out to you, and Joan, too.

Sally
jessyf
15 years ago
Bizzo and Joanm. Hugs and support.

My sister is the wind beneath my wings. I can't imagine losing her.
chancesmom
15 years ago
So very sorry for your family's loss. You will be in thoughts and prayers.

Janet
obxgina
15 years ago
Bizzo,I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We are here for you any time day or night! Gina
lindac
15 years ago
Life just isn't fair sometimes....I am so sorry and wish I could ease your hurt just a little.
Linda C
annie1992
15 years ago
joan, my Grandmother never said that anyone passed away, she referred to death as "the first step of their greatest adventure".

it's always difficult when we're left behind, I'm sorry to hear about your brother.

Annie
jojoco
15 years ago
bizzo,
I am so very sorry to hear about your brother. He lived in my hometown (Greenwich) and I know the Riverside communtiy will embrace your sil and her family during this sad time. I would strongly suggest that she look into a wonderful place in Darien called The Center for Hope. It offers bereavement counseling. I lived in Darien during Sept. 11, and they provided great counseling to families who lost loved ones on that day.
Off topic, but just wanted to endorse the center.
Tell us a favorite memory about your brother. We want to get to know him a bit.
Hugs,
Jo
Bizzo
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you everyone. I was in Greenwich today and saw my SIL and her great kids. 2 weeks is a long time when you are so young, and the little one is getting much better holding his head up! Jo, I will definitely tell her about Center for Hope.

I was also able to spend sometime with my Aunt, Uncle and cousin, (longtime Greenwich residents) and found out that their youngest daughter (who lives in LA) has just been diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. She has a 3 yr old and 5 mth old...

When it rains it pours.

All of your thoughts are so much appreciated. You may not know how muxch you touch me. Lyra, your comment especially gives me comfort.

I thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and positive energy. As mine are with so many of you. Today has been a tough day, too. thank you for the support.
Gina_W
15 years ago
I'm so sorry Elizabeth.

In need of some CF comfort....

Comments (40)

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