My brother's final picture.
I have not posted much original content lately, as I'm still processing the passing of my brother after years of trying to drink himself into oblivion. Sadly he succeeded late last week. I chose to be open and transparent concerning Kerry's passing. That is why I decided to post this picture, as this is what end-stage alcoholism looks like.
It has been interesting to see a few of the comments about my brother after his passing. That perversely included being contacted by his allegedly abusive ex-GF - who used to drink the bubbly while taunting him about his inability to quit. WOW, Just Wow.
I heard that some "frenemies" from my college political days had the gall to call a mutual contact about my health status, only to find out I'm still kicking. Judging from the profile stalks a couple of folks have discerned that Facebook has a search feature. Yes, I used to know some simpletons.
I even received a couple of creepy and intrusive phone calls from a couple of people who hadn't seen my brother in 40-plus years.
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More crucially I heard from more than a few folks who shared their own experiences trying to save their loved ones from destroying themselves.
Yes, the stories are 100% about addiction but are also 100% about someone's isolation and loneliness turning into despair, addiction and self-destruction. We are a nation of survivors of this quiet ongoing tragedy,
Of course, I appreciate the good intentions of those saying vacuous things like "We should talk, soon." We won't. I'm also aware that most of those asking "How are you doing?", still do not want to hear the answer. That is human nature.
But through the noise of this busy and awkward time, I am also fully aware of those who have cared about my brother over time, and those who are still suffering from their grief over those they lost. Although it might take me a while, to respond to some very thoughtful communications, please know I appreciate the time each of you has taken to write, very much.
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11 个月Doesn’t surprise me you would post this.
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1 年This makes me sad. Very sad. Sad for your brother, your families, and all those who tried to help him. Alcohol is a terrifying thing to those powerless to it and those who love them. I had a boyfriend who was an alcoholic and I tried everything, and I mean everything to help him get sober. Every time I went on a business trip I was afraid of coming home to find him dead or dying on the couch. I couldn't save him but I had to save myself and end the relationship. All these years later, seeing this picture brings back so much. I hope your brother is at peace now that he doesn't have to fight the demons.
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1 年Hi Noel, I don't know you per se, but follow you on here. I am a little over 2 years into recovery so this picture really hit me. Thank you for sharing kind memories of your brother but also sharing the painful end that many alcoholics meet, it brings greater awareness to the issue. I am very sorry for your loss..