Another Grave

It's another rough day. On top of depression and wicked pain (which almost certainly signals the failure of another cycle) there is also another grave and another reason to mourn.

This time it's not one of my babies - it's my brother, who died suddenly while running a race. He was 32 and in great shape, but 1/2 mile from the finish line of a 10K he staggered, turned pale, collapsed, and died within seconds. This happened in full view of hundreds of people who were lining the street and also directly in front of a couple of childhood friends who are paramedics. At least we know that all that could have been done for him was done. We went to the viewing and funeral but I still can't believe it's true. He's buried near my two babies and our baby sister, who also died tragically and suddenly.

He was so young and so adventurous. He skydived, scuba dived, hang glided, and bungee jumped. He was also extremely well-traveled. He and I literally went around the world together. He was my nemesis in childhood and my friend in adulthood. I'll miss him.