In todays social media, we live vicariously through all those we follow on the various social website. We share things we never would have shared in generations past. And this is one of those posts.

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 my brother Michael was found dead in his apartment, Sunday he would have been 49. While unknown right now the cause, he was an alcoholic for so many years, and its likely the cause. Not certain but likely he will be cremated, and as he wasn't religious, may not even be a service.

Our immediate family all knows now, and I don't think anyone of us is surprised, sadly. He is survived by my sister (in law) Cathy, and his two children, both in high school. My biggest worry for them, is finances. Cathy is on unemployment, another casualty of the current times. My brother worked as an independent contractor, for various companies doing things like dispatching like for AAA and other such places. My guess is he didn't have life insurance, its been hard times for both of them.

If anyone wishes to send flowers or baskets, I'd ask they consider donations for the family, I believe they will be appreciated. I will get the information to any wishing to, just email me at RebaTheHub@yahoo.com

I'm sad, a bit stunned still, but saddest of all, not surprised. I'm going to miss my brother, especially in my happier memories, the way I knew him, before the alcohol ate his life, his happiness.

My sister Cathy has done so much to keep her family together, keep the kids safe and out of the horror of an alcoholic father, and keep the stress of it all as far away from them as possible. My nephew and niece are the most awesome kids, polite, smart, and already young adults in the making. I'm so proud of them, and how well they were raised.

My grief is for them, to lose their father so young, and for my sister to lose her husband so soon. My prayers are for Cathy and the kids, and I'll do all I can to help them now and in the future.

This is one of those times, I hope no one else has to live through, its painful and hard, the sadness runs deep as the grief takes you. Never forget to love your family and friends today, for they may be gone tomorrow.