I have been on this forum for awhile now. I had an eighty-one year old brother who had been in and out of rehabs and nursing homes since last June. I recently got word that he was on hospice care when he returned home for a couple of days. His son discovered a bedsore and called an ambulance and later my brother was transferred to a hospice. No one in my family communicates on a regular basis, so this is a shock to me to find out this sad news. My brother and I were really close up until he had his first hospitalization. His prostate cancer went into remission so I thought that he was out the woods, but his emotional state was not good. He stopped communicating.
I'm at a loss now on how I should contact his family. Any light that any of you can shed on this subject, I would be more than grateful. Right now, I just feel like I'm in a daze. My brother was there for me when my husband passed away from cancer seven years ago.
I have toxic nieces (my sister's kids) who I need to avoid. A couple of them are alcoholics and one in particular would not hesitate to make a scene. I spoke with my brother (there are three of us left out of five siblings) earlier today and he was getting off on a tirade about something my brother (deceased) did a long time ago. I told my brother that I didn't believe any of it and that my brother was not here any longer. My brother had become a devout Christian and had repented for his sins. It was not my brother's place to spread something that sounded more like a rumor without an ounce of truth to it.
I am thinking about asking for a private viewing or getting there early to whatever sanctuary his family decides to send him to. I'm not much on dealing with drunks.
My brother's spirit is with God at this point. He is no longer with us. Funerals are for the living. After my father's funeral in 2014, I made the mistake and allowed this one niece in my home who got extremely intoxicated and caused a big ruckus. After that incident, I have been turned off to funerals with certain family members in attendance and attending them ever again.
I resolved that I can be supportive at a distance if need be. My family can be overly dramatic with a lot of screaming and hollering. My deceased loved one's ex-wife is a terrible person. We haven't spoken since the beginning of the pandemic.
I like the idea below of writing a tribute letter . Go with your gut about if face to face would be comfortable . If not , you can still mail the letter .
I personally don’t have to attend a funeral . But everyone grieves their own way .
I would write a one page tribute, to tell everyone what you liked about your brother, some memories, why you admired him. How he came to your rescue in your darkest hour 7 years ago. I'd have that ready, just in case...with some copies.
If you attend the service (which you would regret if you didn't), bring your tribute to read if given the opportunity, or give certain people copies, as part of your family history. You are there in your brother's honor. Simple as that.
Trust your instincts on the family contact. I would dread it myself.
What would your brother tell you? What would please him?
I am sorry to hear of your brothers death. Being with family brings comfort to you all. I’m sorry you didn’t get to visit before he passed. Wishing you sweet memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost two of my brothers. It’s hard to lose a sibling.
Do what is best for you regarding how to notify his family and attending the funeral.
I don’t feel like you have to attend the funeral to process your grief. Trust your instincts.
I have heard stories from a funeral director that I know about family conflicts. It isn’t pleasant when nasty arguments occur in the funeral home.
Wishing you peace as you grieve for your brother.
A card would be the best for both parties for now. I don't know if I want to attend the funeral or not because of family conflict that was not resolved. For the first time in my life I really don't know what to do.
I like the ideas below about writing a heartfelt letter sharing all the good things you remeber about your brother. I think the family would love that as a way to hear stories about his youth and childhood they may not know.
I have good memories of him riding me around on his bike, taking me Christmas shopping and teaching me how to drive. That one was a doozy. Teaching your teenage sister how to drive.
I am sorry for your loss, and even more sorry for the loss in communication this last time. That makes this so much more difficult.
Tell his family your good memories. Remember them yourself.