My Brother Died...

On August 10th, this world lost one of the most amazing people there could ever be, my brother Jack.

After a difficult few years dealing with cancer and its many complications he is finally free of pain and no longer struggling for life. And we will miss him... so very much.

Everyone who knew my brother was touched by his deep kindness, his concern for each person he met, and the depth of his love and care for humankind. He was one of those incredible people who know what it is to live in a state of compassion, literally changing the lives of those who even briefly had a chance to meet him.

The kindness he has shown will not be forgotten, in fact I'm certain he has impacted this planet in ways far beyond what he could have imagined. As he traveled the world he shared his gifts of gentleness and understanding with whomever he encountered.

I recall a fabulous story of a time when he was in Thailand and a prostitute kept soliciting his services. He asked her if she had children; she did. He asked her how much for one day; she responded twenty dollars. He gave her twenty dollars and told her to go spend the day with her children.

Jack was just like that.

Always taking care of people. Always concerned for children. In fact, several years ago he gave up a very successful career in the US and moved to Vietnam to open schools in impoverish areas.

He truly used his time on this Earth to make the world a better place.

Even as he approached death, he was thinking of everyone else.

Just a few weeks ago, as I sat in the emergency room with Jack and his wife, Jack was hooked up to oxygen and had been heavily sedated, while his wife and I softly chatted; I commented on how cold the ER was. We thought Jack was pretty out of it but he pushed the button on the remote control for the nurse. The nurse quickly entered the room and Jack, using all his energy said in a raspy voice, "warm blanket." She immediately returned with a warm blanket and began to spread it over Jack when he said, "for my sister."

Always thinking of others.

I miss him so much.

To those who have written me in the past month, I'm sorry I have not returned emails and responded to comments. I have been out of town, away from my computer and spending time with my brother, and then planning his funeral. It has been a long and difficult few months.

Please know I read all comments and emails and while I may not completely catch up, my heart goes out to you. I will do my best to get back to you but it may take a while.

Love to all,

Jennifer