Defining moments…that split second in our lives when our path pivots, and we slowly begin to process that our lives have just changed forever…
I realize it seems ironic for someone with a public blog to say they are a “private person,” but I don’t typically share deeply personal matters here. However, after corresponding via this blog over the past couple of years, my followers have also become my friends. You are my community…my “tribe.”
So it is with deep heart wrenching sadness that I must tell you that my baby brother Stephen died suddenly this week. He was only 53 years young. He leaves behind a loving wife and two beautiful daughters, my only nieces.
Although I have a million words that need to come out, they are far too personal to share on a public medium. Therefore, after driving two 12-hour days, 1,364 miles to get back to Texas, I am going to put the blog on hiatus while I do whatever I can to help my Mom cope with burying her youngest son, and help my 13 year old niece come to grips with the fact that her doting father is gone way too soon.
On behalf of my family, thank you all for your loving support and positive thoughts…
Suzanne
“And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singing this song to you”
~Leon Russell
Stephen Kent Anthony
August 31, 1961 – April 28, 2015
Safe journey, F.P. I love you. Hold the door for me when I get there — C.P.
There are no words except to say how deeply sorry I am to hear of your loss. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
🙁
Having experienced one of those pivotal life-changing moments 3 weeks ago today, my heart is heavy for you and your family. Please accept my condolences and know that your blog friends are with you.
I am so deeply sorry for you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
What sad news. My heart goes out to your family in dealing with your brothers early passing. May he rest in peace.
My heart is so heavy right now. First reading that Lynne has to face a cancer battle, then you have experienced the sudden loss of a loved one. Words cannot express the tough road you both have ahead of you.
Your strong spirit, Suzanne, will help all of your family, especially your niece.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Our hearts are heavy for you and your family Suzanne. We are so sorry for your loss and are sending warm thoughts and prayers your way.
I am so very sad Suzanne and send you the best of possible universal love and support in this difficult time. My heart and thoughts are with you. Deepest condolences.
Nina
Our thoughts are with you and your family. XOXOOXOX
After I read of your terrible loss I wiped the tears from my eyes, looked up, and our resident hawk, notoriously skittish and private, flew in and perched unbelievably close by. I took that as a reminder that the Universe takes care of its own.
Oh, Suzanne.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
So sorry to hear about your family’s loss. Glad you can be there.
I am so sorry to read this, it’s just unbearably sad. Our thoughts are with you at this terrible time. XOXO
Very sorry for you and your family’s loss. I know the pain all too well. Healing thoughts coming your way.
So very sorry. Hugs to you and your family.
Oh Suzanne I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sending strength and healing energy to you and your family. Have courage in the face of the storm.
I am so sorry for your loss, Suzanne. I’m glad that you’ll be there with your family in this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
There aren’t any words…I too, had to wipe my eyes after reading your post. We send you heartfelt condolences. May you and your family be comforted by the Loving Unseen as you navigate through this next part of your journey. Looking forward to seeing you on the road, via the blog or in person.- Frederika & Pete
Suzanne, I am so sorry to hear about Stephen. It’s such a shock for such a young man and younger sibling to leave this earth so soon.
My prayers are with you and your family. Love you, Reta
Thank you Reta.
My heart goes out to you!
Oh Suzanne, I’m so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. May you and your family find comfort in your memories of Stephen. Your photo of him is lovely.
So sorry for your tragic loss. My brother in law died of H1N1 five years ago leaving three sons, two in their teens. They still miss him terribly. Sending you and your family sympathy and wishes for strength during this difficult time.
Oh Suzanne! How awful for you all. So young and so sudden. Life is unfair, we know that very well. We’ll hold you and your family in our hearts. There is so little I can say about such a tragedy.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Drive safe
Garth
I only read, rarely comment on your blog. But I feel your pain in the words you did share, loss is never easy for those left behind. I send many prayers to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss, hearts are broken forever.
Don’t write your name in the sand, waves will wash it away. Don’t write your name in the sky, wind may blow it away. Write your name in hearts of people you come in touch with. That’s where it will stay. Author unknown. Stephen wrote his name in your hearts, the place it will stay.
I’m so very sorry, Suzanne.
I am so sorry for your loss….peace to you.
Suzanne, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
;-(
Oh Suzanne, so sorry to read about your brother. We send you and your family loving kindness .
Suzanne, I am so sorry. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts!
Oh Suzanne! So heartbreaking. I am soo soo sorry for your loss. What a beautiful young man your brother was, and a doting father as well! I do so understand the need to keep silent and still in the face of such sadness. Yet, as you said, we out here are aware of you and your life, and as part of your tribe, you know we care. Thanks for sharing your heart with us, both the beautiful and the good parts, and this part as well. Nothing will ease the ache of your loss, but just knowing so many people care are sending good thoughts your way will have an unexplained effect on your spirit. I know, I have been there.
So very sorry to learn of your lose. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Know your blog friends are here if you need a place to share your thoughts:)
Sorry to hear the sad news of the death of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs. I am shocked. So glad u are free to be supportive for your family.
I lost my brother at 49. Hugs. I am at a loss for words.
Rob
I too understand life-changing/life-defining moments all too well. Blessings to you and your family throughout this most difficult time and beyond.
Sorry to heat about the loss of your brother. The sadness is borne my many shoulders and causes us all to pause and reflect.
J. Dawg
May your heart know peace again soon. I am so sorry.
“A tree in the forest has fallen
and less is the shade on life’s way
Many from him drew the courage
and peace for the heat of the day
Taller he stood than the many for
his roots drank where strength never ends
A tree in the forest has fallen
And less is the shade for his friends.”
Author Unknown
So very sorry for your loss. His bright spirit will always be with you. Take special care.
Oh dear Suzanne. I just read your blog. What a tremendous loss for you and your family and so suddenly. Thinking of you and how precious life is. Hoping you are now surrounded by family and the loving support for each other.
Deede and I are in North Richland Hills, Tx on our way to Tucson and please accept out sincerest wishes at the news of your brother’s passing. We both extend our thoughts and best wishes for his family.
Allen and Deede
Suzanne, we just arrived in Tucson and I wanted to again tell you of our grief at the loss of your younger brother. Three years ago my brother who was 6 years younger than me died and I know the depth of sorrow involved in that loss. Sounds silly to write, but I still miss him strongly, but have entered the phase of the good memories of the years we shared. It still hurts, but a little less.
peace,
Allen and Deede
Oh my gosh Susan, I am so very sorry and sad to hear that news. As I started reading I was thinking something must have happened with your Dad but knew SOMEthing had happened. Live life to the fullest, love the most and many virtual cyber hugs from all of us – your readers and friends.
Dear sweet cousin, you know how to get hold of me if you need me. I love you.
Like everyone else, so sorry to read this, events like this are against the natural order. Take care.
take your time and do what you have too, we’ll be here when you get back. Sorry.
Suzanne, I’m so sorry for your loss. Just know that your friends are out here and have any support or help you need.
So very sorry for your loss. We will keep you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.