As you may know, it’s been a tough week for me and my family, to say the least. Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to all of you that sent kind words my way in the form of comments, tweets, e-mails, and most importantly, for lifting my family and me up in prayer.
One thing I did not mention in my previous post was that my brother took his own life. I only say that now to bring awareness to the reality of hope. Unfortunately, he felt he had run out. But, I want to send the message that there is ALWAYS hope. If EVER you feel that you have run out of hope, please, contact me or someone you trust. There IS hope, I promise.
There were days of intense pain and grief (and many ahead, I’m sure,) but I felt great calm at times as a result of knowing that there were many arms around me, especially the Lord’s.
Thank you, thank you.
90 comments:
I'm a new follower, but you are such an inspiration to bring beauty out in the world either through being you as a personality, or making something beautiful. God bless you and your family.
Heartbreaking. I am so sorry for your loss, Cathe. Big hugs.
So Sorry Cathe!
Sending prayers & cyber {{{{{HUGS}}}}} to you & your family.
Oh Cathe, I'm so sorry! Praying for your family and for peace.
Cathe,
Thank you for sharing this with us.
There is hope and your message helps to get that point across.
God bless you and your family.
Hugs,
Barb
pk @ Room Remix
I'm behind on my blog reading, so I hadn't seen read previous post yet. I'm am SO sorry to hear about your brother. You're in my thoughts and prayers... Thank you for sharing a message of hope
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I can't even begin to imagine how you feel or what you are going through, but I pray for healing and peace for you and your family. May the Lord bless and keep you.
I just found your blog and expect to come back to it regularly. I'm so sorry to read the sad news about your brother. I, too, lost a brother this year and also a brother-in-law, both to illness. It's a sadness that never goes away, but I try to think of all the good memories I have of them both. Peace to you and your family.
I feel so profoundly for those that take their own lives. So very sorry. Thanks for sharing - maybe someone who needs to hear that message - will.
More arms coming your way and wishing you peace. LindaSonia
Welcome home, Cathe. I am so so sorry.
So sorry to hear Cathy. Thinking of and praying for your family during this difficult time.
Cathe, I will pray that you and your family will receive peace and strength.
Angie
I am so very sorry for your loss. And thank you for addressing the issue. You may very well save someone's life.
I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your loved ones at this time.
It makes it so much more painful for those left behind-I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks for giving a glimmer of hope to others. Nancy
i'm so sorry for your loss and that your brother saw no other way than taking his own life. makes you realize just how precious life is. my prayers are with you!
There are no words to make any of this right.
Thank you for your message of HOPE.
Please know that your readers adore you. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask us.
Oh Cathe.....thinking of you and sending prayers to you and your family. My great grandmother took her life and I know how many questions it left for my grandmother and the family. I hope your family finds some peace soon. You are such an inspiration and I look forward to each and every post. You are so giving and it shows because look how many people appreciate you!
XOXO
Ashley
I'm so sorry for you and your families loss. You are right, hope is all around and God is always there:)
Thinking of you and your family Cathe. I applaud you for speaking out about your brother's death, as difficult as that is right now. Hugs - take care of yourself.
Hi Cathy,
I have just been catching up on blogs from being Under the Weather, I am So Sorry to Hear of the Loss of Your Brother. Thank You also for Sharing about Hope.... This is So Important & Can Change Lives.... I will Keep You in My Thoughts & Prayers.
cheryl
i am so very sorry for your pain hang in there and so good of you to think of others at this time god be with your family and you .
sending hugs your way and prayers for comfort.
Lorrie
I'm glad you posted about this. It's so private but it seems that the private secrets are what leads people to feeling there is no hope. There IS ALWAYS hope. ALWAYS! Thank you for using your site to reach out to others. I'll continue to pray for you and your family.
I'll keep a prayer for your family in my heart.
God Bless you all!
Thank you for sharing something so personal. You can and will see him again. In my religious beliefs, this isn't the end of life, just the end of our earthly lives. We can still be with families and those who love us. Families can be together forever, and I truly believe these words to be true.
I am behind on my blog reader-buy I wanted to send my condolences. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family.
Thank you for sharing this. If you've reached at least one person, your courage and honesty has been rewarded and I thank you for it. I am so very, very sorry for your loss.
I so sorry to hear how it happened. Prayers coming your way.
Melinda
My s.i.l. took her life in November, too. Holidays are a tough time for people struggling to find peace. May the Holy Ghost continue to comfort you.
Cathe, My deep condolences on the loss of your brother.
I am so very, very sorry. There are no words for such a loss, but only prayer and trust that he is now in God's loving embrace.
May our Lord comfort and give you and your family peace this Christmas season. Blessings to you!
Cathe I am so sorry! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
jen
Once again may I say how sorry I am to hear this news and I offer up a prayer to you and your family and many many HUGS. Having had a grandfather commit the same act I know how hard the loss is and the many conflicting emotions that arise because of it.
My daughter's boyfriend took his own life in June. (see my blog entry:
http://frazierfauxpaus.blogspot.com/2009/06/sometimes-love-is-not-enough.html )
I still have trouble functioning and accepting it, so I know the loss of your brother must be even more difficult.
I wish there was something I could do to help those that feel there's no other way out.I feel helpless.
I'm praying for you and your family.
I am so very sorry. Unfortunately, there is a lot os pain for the ones that stay. But I can assure that it will pass. I hope you, and your family, are well. God bless you.
I'm truly sorry for your loss and that your brother committed suicide. I can't imagine the pain he must have been in, and the pain you all are left with. May you find your way with those you love. In peace, Peggy
Dear Cathe:
I'm so sorry. I know you'd be a perfect person for someone to contact should they feel at the end of their rope. I can only hope that your pain diminishes and brings you to only good memories of your brother.
Hugs,
Donna
Your blog is all about inspiration to me -- now in a new way. You inspire me with the sense of hope you have in the face of such a heartbreaking loss.
I truly believe there is more after this life, and that families *are* forever.
Praying for you and your family....
Oh my gosh, I'm so very sorry! I'll keep you all in my prayers!
tears...
I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words.
simply Praying
How sad that your brother didn't feel God's arms waiting to help him, please know that you and your family are in my prayers!
Your thoughts on your loss are so eloquent. Thanks for sharing with us.
Your family has my deepest condolences. I, too, know all too well the pain you are feeling. My father took his own life just over a year ago. Nothing can prepare you for such a devastating loss and the emptiness it leaves--all of those unanswered questions. I hope your family finds peace and comfort. And thank you for being so brave in telling your story. You truly are an inspiration. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing this. There is hope and I have a feeling you are going to make a huge impact in peoples lives sharing this story and the one true hope! May you always find comfort in Him.
I am so sorry- I am about to loose my brother to cancer..and a loss is a loss- no matter. My heart hurts for you and please know there are arms around you that you've never met..you are blessed. :-)
I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot even begin to fathom the depth of grief your family has experienced over this loss. I can tell you at the first moment of seeing this post I have been praying for you and I will continue to do so. Rest my dear blog friend in the arms of your saviour.
Cathe, I lost my grandfather to suicide as a teenager. It does leave unanswered questions and a void that only God's love can fill. It is the season of hope. May your family experience a generous blessing of His peace, love and hope this Christmas.
I can't tell you how much I enjoy your blog. There is rarely a day I miss being inspired by your creative and artistic ideas. You are gifted. Thanks for generously sharing.
Oh, I am so sorry. I missed the original post with the news. I have lost two of my brothers (heart disease and cancer). A girl really misses a brother. Much love to you.
I have no fancy words, just my heartfelt sympathy.
My heartfelt sorrow and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
How strong and understanding of you to pass along your message of hope. It is a much needed message in this world.
My you always feel the loving arms of friends, family and strangers, such as me, to comfort you as you grieve.
Many blessings to you -
Cathe,
Sorry this is belated. I just saw your post on my blog.
My heart goes out to you and your family,it brings tears to my eyes for such sadness and pain it brings.
I know no one can feel exactly like your feeling with pain, but my husband's father took his life, and it was such a shock!
My husband also tried to take his life a couple of years ago, so I really do sincerely say my heart does go out to you and your family.
It is part of the healing I think personally, to address it, like you have.
Big hugs sent your way, and my thoughts are with you. Carol
I am so very sorry to hear about your brother and of your troubles. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
PussDaddy
You and your family will be my prayers. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.
Dear Cathe,
You are a rock! One seldom meets a person who is such an inspiration - in all aspects of life.
Bon courage!
Damjana
Again..my heartfelt sympathies.
So sorry ~ my dad took his own life on Dec 18, 1970. He ran out of hope too.
Don't you just want to shout it from the housetops..."there's always hope! No matter what".
Thanks for sharing your message and concern for others who might be hopeless right now.
You and your family are in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Take care.
Can't find the words...just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nan
Ohhh.... I am so sorry :( I will be praying for you and your family.
I'm sorry to hear about your brother. Please take care.
I feel for you. My Aunt took her own life a few years back and the pain we survivors feel is intense. Do not blame yourself! I know the 'what if's' are difficult, but just celebrate the memories of the happy times. You and your family continue to be in our prayers!!!
Words cannot express how much I feel for you but for you to offer such hopeful words at such a time is so heart warming. Take care, anna x
Bless you and family. May there be warm memories you can visit from time to time that will give you a smile.
I have recently come across your blog and just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about the loss of your brother - sending prayers to you and your family at this sad time.
My heart breaks for you, your family and especially your brother Tim. We have lost two dear friends this way and it is so sad that they could not find another way. Hugs, Karen
I am very sorry for your loss, Cathe. Peace be with you.
Becky Brocato
I am so sorry Cathe, as others have said, words are not enough right now. Your message of hope is very inspiring! Sending you peace, light and love.
I'm so sorry about your brother. It's sad when someone runs out of hope. :)
Just wanted to send an extra big hug to you and your family.
Helen
I am praying for you and your family. I'm not sure there are any right words to comfort you at this time. I am reeling from the loss of my closest friend last week and I think it must be said that we just keep on loving that person and focus on living our lives in a way that reflects our awareness of the fragility and preciousness of life.
Cathe, I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. I recently found out that a good friend of mine also took his life. Dealing with The loss of Brian in addition to trying to understand why he felt like taking his life was his only option has been unbelievably difficult. You are in my thoughts and it is my sincerest wish that you and your family are able to find peace with it.
I came here to post a thank you note for the free graphics on your site and let you know that i made something out of it.
Finding your sharing of hope and painful loss is something even more beautiful that I can take home with me.
Thank you.
I just followed a link here (Jolie Jolie) and saw this. I'm so so sorry. I've dealt with depression before and been at the point where I felt like hope was out of reach and it's such a hard, dark place to be. I'm so sorry that you lost your brother. I'll be praying for you and your family.
You have been on my heart all week and I have been thinking of you so much. I'm hoping we'll meet for coffee soon so I can put my arms around you and hug you forever.
Much love
Your friend
Kate
So sorry for your loss Cathy. I've been on vacation and just catching up on reading my blogs when I read about your brother. My son's name is Timothy and it means: "to honor God". Perhaps some feel that he didn't do this by taking his life but we do not always know what our life path or soul journey is so I hope this helps you and your family during their time of grief and mourning. Fondly, Roberta
I am so sorry for your loss, Cathe. Big hugs.
Work from home India
Cathe - I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I wish you peace.
oh gosh cathe, that is terribly sad. i am sorry.
Six years ago, a close friend of mine (who was also my first love) took his own life. I still think of him every day. I read a wonderful book afterward, called "Standing in the Shadow: Help and Encouragement for Suicide Survivors," by June Cerza Kolf. Everyone grieves differently, but if you are inclined, I highly recommend it. In the meantime, I'll be sending up lots of prayers on your behalf.
I'm so very sorry. What a wonderful gesture of hope to be volunteer to be there for someone who feels theirs has run out.
Dear Cathe,
This is the first time I've ever visited your blog. I was cruising through your posts, admiring all your neat ideas when I read this particular post. I am so sorry to hear about your brother. My sister committed suicide nearly 20 years ago (she was 22, with two little boys). It still hurts, especially this time of year. I don't talk about it much (at all), but she was my only sibling and nothing will ever fill that hole. You and your remaining sister need each other more than ever now.
xo
Rachel
Hello Cathe - I have just recently been following your blog and have missed you last few posts until today - I am so sorry for your (and your families) loss - you have amazing strength of spirit. May you and your family find comfort in your memories and faith.
Sincerely
Michelle
Hi Cathe,
I just read your post about your brother. So very sorry to hear about it and I'm sending you many blessings and prayers.
Dana Prichard
I just found your wonderful blog - added it to my RSS feed and happen to run across the post about your brother. Please accept my prayers during this Holiday season for your happiness and peace. My special brother took his own life many years ago but I still think of him and what his future would have been. He was a gifted artist with a troubled mind. The guilt of not being there for him has lessened over time, I try to replace each of those "what if..." thoughts with "remember that time..." I can smile about our childhood adventures now and I wish smiles for you.
Cathe,
I've wanted to write you a note and tell you how sorry I am for your loss, but haven't been able to find the words. Please know that you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers! Wishing you all the best this Christmas and always. May your days be merry and bright!
Yours fondly,
Amanda
I just stumbled across your blog and love it. I just came to this post about your brother and felt compelled to drop you a note. We went through this very thing 2 yrs. ago. The pain is still very much on the surface but so are the fond memories. The holiday season makes things a little more difficult but that is when I take out the photo album and go back to the good memories. My thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you and your family.
I just found your blog, which I adore, then came upon this post, and it made my heart gasp.
My brother also recently took his own life, in Sept.
We cannot figure out why. Noone knew anything. Im still torn and tormented by it.
Peace to you and your family, I know its hard.
Post a Comment