my brother.....

[janetg]

What can I say…for those of you who remember, last year I posted my brother’s wife was diagnosed with als. She was diagnosed only after she went into total respiratory arrest and had to be rushed to the hospital.

My brother has taken care of his wife all this time without question, without direction, and without help. He lost his job in February, a job he had for over 20 years. Re-organization they claimed. I still believe they let him go because of her illness. Social security has denied her benefits saying she is not disabled. He has to go before a judge with proof. He sold his truck, his motorcycle, and anything else he could to get a wheelchair van for her.

He got another job this past May, it doesn’t pay all the bills, it’s often hard to get what you were making previously. Most of his money goes into paying for her medicine and for someone to be there with her during the day while he is at work. She is totally bedridden, cannot walk, talk, or move much anymore. She has been on a ventilator since last May. she is fed by a tube as she cannot swallow anymore. When he comes home at night, he sits with her, he bathes her, he reads to her. He is there for her. Her time is getting nearer. He finally agreed to let hospice come in and help about a month ago. They started with one day a week, they are there every day now.

This past Monday – while at his job, which I’m not sure exactly what that is anymore, but he was calling on a client and this client happened to be his friend as well, from his previous job. The man was standing there…and suddenly clutched his chest and fell to the ground, dying immediately from a heart attack. I heard that my brother tried and tried to render cpr, but nothing worked. He is beyond consolation at this point. I feel so badly for him. You may look at this photo and think to yourself – he doesn't look like much...….i look at this photo and think…wow – I’m proud to have this guy as my brother.

[SaSha]

dang Janet...prayers go out to your family for sure, especially your brother.
hang in there!

[Hanky]

I remember your original post, I will keep you all in my prayers.

[kenw]

Janet, your brother is a hero. Purely and simply a hero.

Winning or losing a battle has nothing to do with being a hero, because heroes have already won THE war: over self.

And I'm proud to have this hero's sister as my friend.

Let him know he's on my prayer list. And you too as you support him.

Come collect a hug tonight at Fudd's?

[LoungeLizard]

Great portrait. Looks like someone who could tell stories for hours - but needs a bit of a rest first.

[idnurse41]

Janet that's really touching. If you could just see some of the people I see at the hospital, and no one ever comes to visit them or check on them....It's so nice to see someone who loves and supports their family. It speaks very highly of you, and our prayers are with you and yours.

[Truckman]

Wow...I'd say he's a heck of a man...I'd be proud if he had my back...Ben

[René]

Janet, I too remember your post about your brother. Im so sorry to hear things have not gotten better. Given everything he is going through, I would certainly be proud of him also! My prayers to him and his wife.

[janetg]

thanks everyone! just thought i'd share a bit about him - he's often judged by how he looks and the harley he used to have.

[loana0320]

oh Janet your family is in my prayers!!!!! What an amazing man he is!

[ShutteredEye]

Prayers sent from here too!

[seawings]

I am new to this forum and don't really know anyone...however, your post was touching and I submit this prayer:

Lord we know that all things are possible when we come to you in prayer. Lord put your healing hand on Janet's brother's wife. We know that you are the great physician and can ease her illness. Lord wrap you comforting arms around Janet's brother in this his time of need, comfort and guide him through these time. Bless Janet for her love of her brother.

[Lexie]

Janet you and your family are in my prayers.

[dbphotos]

My prayers are with your brother and his wife. Unfortunately Social inSecurity ALWAYS denies benefits at first, its just the way they do businesses. If he hasn't he needs to do 2 things immediatley; contact a Social Security specialized attorney and write a letter (or you can do it for him) to his Congressman and both Senators asking for their intervention. Believe it or not, this will help in escalating the application and pushing it through much faster. They will ultimately approve it and pay from the original date of application. Unfortunately I had to go through this with my mother. Don't let him drop it. It's certainly undisputable that she is disabled since she is under the care of hospice.

My prayers are with you all.

[MikeyG1965]

Originally Posted by janetg

thanks everyone! just thought i'd share a bit about him - he's often judged by how he looks and the harley he used to have.

I learned long ago never to judge a person by the way they look. If I have, I would have missed out on meeting some really interesting people

Positive thoughts headed his way.