My sister, Heidi, died Thursday after a very brief and sudden flare-up of her lung disease. She started to have serious trouble breathing Christmas night and by the next morning was in ICU on oxygen. She wasn’t expected to survive. She seemed to rally some and was scheduled to come home to be on hospice but died immediately after the transport home. Her family is quite devastated especially Richard her husband of 53 years. Heidi was funny and loved her kids and grandkids.
We had some fun times when she came out to visit us which started the year of my SCT and she came out to help Barclay with things since I was not up and about. After that time she like to come out as it was a way to ‘get away’ from things and do something different.
She was very concerned when Barclay was diagnosed with MDS and was in contact with us frequently. She developed the Interstitial disease lung disease about 4 years ago and was on oxygen. She really became house bound for the most part.
This whole past year I knew something was wrong as she didn’t answer emails or texts too often. She seemed very forgetful. I’m not sure that this was related but it seems so.
It’s all a bit of a shock when things happen without warning. If it wasn’t for Covid and Omicron surges, I’d fly back now but as it is I will try and go back in the summer.
I sent some flowers but that seems kind of lame but didn’t know what else to do.
In the same vein, Philip, our brother was killed in Viet Nam on January 7th 1968. So memories of January 6th and 7th will be sad ones.
None of us get out of dying and it’s always a reminder of how precious life is and to try and live each day to the fullest in whatever way that you can, and with whatever circumstances you have.
Tahoe Girl 
So sorry to hear your sad news – I can’t imagine what it feels like to lose a sibling, I feel devistated for you. Like you say we have to make the best of our time – life is very precious. Sending my thoughts and virtual hugs across the airwaves. xx
Thanks so much. She was a good person who loved her family.
My sincere condolences on your loss.
thanks, Ellen. It definitely was unexpected:(
Oh Christine I know your not jewish.. only read this notification of your situation now please accept my condolences and if I may offer this
May her memory be a blessing
Thanks, no not Jewish although I do love Jewish traditions.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I agree It’s best to wait until summer to go. Maybe then you can do something in her remembrance. Plant a tree or something.
I like that idea of a tree or ??
I am so sorry for your loss. It is devastating to lose a sibling and the fact that you have lost two is very sad. And at the same time of year, too. I would not travel, although her husband has my sympathy, too. (hugs)
Thanks for the thoughts. I’d love to go back but am too concerned about Omicron right now.
It’s never easy to lose someone you love, but I can’t imagine doing it with everything that is going on now.
Very sad. My thoughts go out to you.
I am so sorry about your sister. But I’m glad she was able to hold on until she was at her home. Hopefully it will be safe in the summer for you to travel.
I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your sister. I appreciate you writing about it. I almost talked myself out of taking my daily walk yesterday. It was gray and cold and looked like it could start misting, but reading your post got those shoes laced up and me out the door. Every day is a gift. I hope for comfort for you and all who mourn your sister.
“Memories
are never old enough
to throw away.
They’re those special dreams
that come to pass
and stay.”
SaraStuart
Thinking of You 🌹🤗