My dad's brother killed himself this weekend.

[RevCheesehead]

We don't know anything about what was going on. Nobody does.
They're doing an autopsy, but it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The reason, we may never know.

He lived alone, never married, and died alone. Rest in peace, Uncle Ernie. I'm so sorry you were in pain and we didn't know.

[livetohike]

1. I'm so sorry for the loss of your Uncle RevCheesehead

:hug: and :hug:

My sympathy to you and your family. I had an Uncle who drank himself to death....he died at age 53. My Dad (his brother) gave up trying to help him. It was a source of frustration for the whole family...and me, who was his favorite niece. I hope you have some good memories of your Uncle's life and they will help ease the sadness.

[RevCheesehead]

5. Thank you.

Sadly, he was a loner all his life. We never saw much of him, he never left his home, and he battled with alcoholism (he's been sober for about 30 years). I suspect that he fought depression his whole life, but don't know that for sure.

I appreciate your words. Thanks, livetohike. :hug:

[easttexaslefty]

2. I am so sorry

Rest in Peace,Ernie

[RevCheesehead]

6. I thank you,

especially for remembering Ernie. :hug:

[CC]

3. I am so sorry to hear this

Rev. :hug: Will pray for healing and understanding for your Dad and the whole family. You know me, no wise words just understanding and a shoulder that is always here for you to lean on. I know you worry about your dad and will do all you can to take care of him but please remember you need to take care of yourself too. Sometimes I think one of the wisest sayings out there is "Let go and let God." It does work when it all gets to be too much and please remember you have friends that care about you and are here for you.

[RevCheesehead]

7. As always, dear Ferretessa, you speak words of wisdom.

Yes, I am terribly stressed about Dad and how this is affecting him. He is so terribly sad, and I can't do anything to stop that pain. But I need to hear the words about caring for myself, too.

Thank you most of all for being such a dear friend. I cherish you. :hug::hug::hug:

[flamingyouth]

4. I'm so sorry to hear this.

You and your family will be in my prayers. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

8. Thank you, flamingyouth.

I am grateful for your prayers... we all need them. :hug:

[murielm99]

9. I am so sorry for your loss.

You have always been such a help to other DUers.

You are in my prayers. Take good care of your dad.

[RevCheesehead]

10. Thanks, muriel.

I'm trying, but it's hard when you're 180 miles apart.
Thank you for your prayers and kind words. :hug:

[onecent]

11. Oh Dear RevCheesehead...I am so sorry.

I just saw this post after I answered your post to mine awhile back.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Apparently from your post to mine, you have other situations where you were grieving. I wasn't sure what they were, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[RevCheesehead]

12. Thank you, onecent.

My mom died a year ago last March, and I miss her terribly.
Obviously, Ernie's death is really hard for my dad to deal with. He never expected to outlive his two remaining brothers.

[bertha katzenengel]

13. I'm sorry, Rev

:hug:

[vireo]

14. My condolences, Rev.

I can only imagine how difficult this particular form of loss is to deal with and hope that you and your father find peace.

I have occasionally visited this forum in attempt to deal with my own grief and appreciate the solace and support it offers.

[RevCheesehead]

15. Thank you, vireo.

It is especially difficult now, since my father is in the early stages of dementia. He keeps repeating "I just don't know what happened." Sadly, we will never know... but he keeps on asking, so I rarely bring up the subject, because it's so painful for him.

This group is the absolute best!

[pecwae]

16. How are you doing, Rev?

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

17. Hi, pecwae!

I was just about to ask you the same thing!

I'm doing OK. My dad just moved into a Memory Care Unit at the place he lives. He is very quickly sliding as his dementia worsens. He moved in on Friday, and now I get to clean out his apartment. :(

It's been a rough weekend.

[pecwae]

18. I'm so sorry.

It must be heartbreaking for you. Please know that you are held in my thoughts. I wish all of us here lived in close proximity so we could really lean on one another.

These :hug: are winging their way to you. Give dad one as well.

[RevCheesehead]

19. I sure will!

Thank you! :hug: