My cousin's husband fell off a ladder, and was killed! Weeks ago!

[Critters2]

This cousin of mine, she's actually the daughter of my dad's first cousin (what the hell does that make her to me? Not sure). Age wise, she's between my parents and me, and grew up on the farm next to my dad, so she was like a little sister to him. Her family and ours have always been very close.

So, I get the Christmas card from her, and it says her husband, a really good guy, was helping at a Habitat for Humanity work day, and fell off a ladder. He was hospitalized for 5 days before DYING!

I feel terrible! I just called and left a message expressing my sympathy. She only lives about two hours from me, and she and her husband drove to Milwaukee for my mom's funeral. I wish I had known. I certainly would've driven down. I can't imagine how she's feeling.

And I'm just in shock!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear mycritters2!

How dreadful!

My deepest condolences to all of you who loved him...

:hug:

[Critters2]

3. Thank you, Peggy. I'm really just flabbergasted.

I've invited her, via answering machine, to come here and spend Christmas with my dad and sister and me, if she'd like. I suspect she'll go to her son's in Peoria, but I'd love to be with her on this first holiday since T's death.

I just can't believe it.

[graywarrior]

2. Jesus, how tragic is that?

Unbelievable. People like him are the real heroes of this country. My heart goes out to your cousin.

[Critters2]

4. Thank you, gray. It is unbelievable, isn't it? And tragic. Thanks! nt

[skygazer]

5. All it takes is an instant for your life to change forever

So sad - my condolences to your cousin and family. :(

[Critters2]

6. Thanks very much, skygazer! nt

[Gormy Cuss]

7. I'm sure she'll be happy to hear from you, critters.

It sounds pretty awful.I hope that you have a chance to talk to her and offer some comfort and support.

She's technically your second cousin, by the way. First cousins have common grandparents, second cousins have common great-grandparents.

[Critters2]

8. Thanks, Gormy. And thanks for the info. I never know the technical

names of my cousins. I'm related to half of Champaign County, but can only describe them all as "cousins".

[Eurobabe]

9. Wow, that is shocking and sad

An old boyfriend of mine was painting his mom's house, and he leaned back (while on an aluminum ladder) and hit an uncovered power line. He was 18. I wanted to go to the hospital to see him when his family called, but he was killed instantly.

I was stunned and horrified for days, weeks.

Yeah, life is unpredictable. :hug:

[fizzgig]

10. how horrible!

peace to all those who loved him

[NJmaverick]

11. sorry for your loss

[GreenPartyVoter]

12. Oh my goodness! I am so sorry! *hugs*

[murielm99]

13. I am so sorry, critters.

What a shock it must have been to learn this so long after it happened.
:hug:

[mnhtnbb]

14. OMG. That's awful. I found out too late recently to go to a funeral of a next door neighbor

when I was growing up. I was quite distressed, since as an adult, hubby and I had become quite
friendly with this couple in recent years.

[ScreamingMeemie]

15. I am so very sorry mycritters and my heart is breaking for your cousin

and your family. It is the worst, most horrible thing in the world.

Please don't beat yourself up though for not showing. You didn't know and I am sure that card was very hard for her to write. It is so hard to tell people.

Love to you and your family from me and mine.

[applegrove]

16. What a shock. Vibes for that family.