My brother passed away yesterday (CoBuHe)

 i am so sorry to hear this!! my condolences to you and your family! 

Barbara:

I'm so sorry for your loss.  My MIL passed from lung cancer and it was a very long and painful process.  Hopefully, your brother was spared some of this pain.

Deb W.

So sorry to hear of your loss.  Our prayers are with you and your family as you go through the next weeks and months.

Barbara,

my prayers are with you and your family.  I'm so glad that you were able to have that conversation with your brother so that you know that he had that understanding and faith.

Peace

Barbara - I'm very sorry to hear this about your brother. My sister was the same age when she passed and it seems so very young to leave this world. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

CoBuHe

I only hope that he is not confused, that he knows what has happened to him; and that someone close has met him to show him the way.

Don't worry.  My Michael would never let a newcomer stay lost.  [&]  And, there are plenty of my best sniffers up there to show him where to find your brother.  I'm very sorry for your loss, and hope that your whole family finds peace and wonderful memories after the grieving.  

Several things strike me as I read what you wrote. As time passes, and you are able to process it, these things will give you unbelievable peace.

1. I don’t think many of we humans are ever "ready" -- not for it to happen to us, not for it to happen to someone we love. It’s a process and we call on it when we must.

2. Your brother had made his peace – he and God had things straight. That is absolutely the best possible thing that says he was in his ‘process’ and WOULD make the transition absolutely as it should be.

3. Your brother got to tell YOU about it. That brings huge tears to *me*. You’ll be able to share that with the family ... and that will bring enormous comfort eventually. He wasn’t in denial, he wasn’t angry or trying to hide – and he was able to talk to *you* about it. So for some reason the Alpha of all Alphas (at least from my way of looking at it) wanted to make sure YOU had the reassurance that your brother had a smooth pathway ahead of him over Rainbow Bridge.

See, to me it is very real. Anne’s right – Mike, would have met him and whatever others would have needed or wanted to be there. None go over left in the dark. I just can’t envision it otherwise – it’s too much what we all need and the basic tenets of all belief systems – that we all need help at times, so at the very moment we may be the most confused, that’s NOT going to be withheld from us.

Whatever was most precious and most important to your brother would have been there to help him. Let that ease your heart and give you peace.

Not today, but when you want to ... find my post in the Rainbow Bridge section about when my Foxy went over the Bridge. It’s true – exactly as it happened that day. His little Mostlie Sheltie feets hit that Bridge RUNNING – it blew my vet away completely. It was likely one of the most re-assuring things **I’ve** ever known.

We humans like to pride ourselves on our religious experiences – but dogs don’t. And knowing my boy RAN full tilt into the next life gave me utter peace. He didn’t do it for my benefit. He’s a dog – he’s not supposed to have an "imagination" nor is he supposed to be influenced by "shoulda/coulda/woulda" -- but he ran. I’m pretty sure I know to whom he ran ... but it doesn’t matter. He was "all essited" and that’s good enough for me.

So please let a dog’s story give you some earthly peace.

4. And just one more thing for thot – you said he went fast. And had your brother been asked, that may have been exactly what he wanted. Someday you’ll be able to ask him. But again, I hope it gives you peace.

We’re all here as you need us.

 I'm so sorry, Barbara. ((hugs))

Barbara, I am so sorry.  I wish there was something I could do for you.  I know how much it means to have your dogs to comfort you when you are floundering.  I am so glad he felt at peace with God and I know that he is in a better place but when they aren't with us anymore our loss feels so hurtful.  My prayers will be with you and your family.  

I'm so sorry for your loss. ((((hugs)))) Brothers are very special.

Everyone, your kind words fill my heart; and helps to diminish the knot in my stomach.

My brother, David, was a very cool dude.  Very Jerry Garcia, if you will.  He had that look, loved that kind of music...a very sixties kind of guy.

He was an artist; specializing in wood carvings.  He has made some very eclectic designs, lately of Mayan styles.  I learned today that SIL will have some of his work exhibited at the memorial service.  He designed a mural as well for a local restaurant.  Austin is his kind of town. 

And, of course all his family members has his pieces displayed around our houses.  We will cherish these pieces and have remembrance.  I didn't realize this before, but those pieces will be even more special.

Hopefully, SIL will be able to sell more of his work...that would make him so happy. 

He was at peace with his world and I know he is in a better place; and the pain and ailments that his poor abused body dealt with on a daily basis are gone now.  He's free to move on.

.....................

Although I know it to be true that dogs feel our energy; it never ceases to amaze me just how attuned they are to me.  The houligans have been so very good today.  No rough housing; no mischief...just angels.  And, Heidi has come to check on me several times today...so sweet.

Barbara, I'm so so sad to hear about your brother.  My heart is with you & your family.  I'm so glad that you have Heidi, Buddy & Brudder to help you through this.  ((HUGS))