Death of a Co-Worker...

[Scooter's Mom]

In all my years of working, this is the first time I've had this experience.

One of my co-workers passed away this weekend. He's been quite ill and in the hospital for around a month now. We knew it was very serious, but still had hope...

He & I weren't very close. He was very close to some of the other team members... I don't know how this will affect our team dynamic.

I'm really sad. Brian was an animal lover. In the last few months, we started actually talking more than we had in all the time we've worked together.

What a sad thing to have happen.

[Freedom]

How sad. I am sorry to read of this.

Most likely, a group will go together from work for the wake, if there is one. This is what we did. None of us went to the funeral, though.

[Karen]

Our condolences to everyone who knew him.

[momcat]

Several years ago a co-worker experienced a devastating house fire. Kelly and her 13 year old daughter had to jump from a second floor window to escape. Kelly was found with 2 broken arms, 3 broken vertebrae, bleeding on her brain and severe burns. Her 6 year old son died in the fire.

After about a year in the hospital and a long recovery, Kelly returned to work. We had a welcome back breakfast for her on the day she returned. Her recovery, both physical and emotional, was extraordinary but she still had a few physical problems and was under doctor's care. Kelly had been back for maybe 3 months when we got to work one morning and were told she had died during the night. All of us were devastated.

The day of Kelly's funeral everyone went to the service. A motorcade started at our office complex to the church. All of us met in the parking lot and we went in together. While many of us didn't know her husband or daughter, co-workers who were close friends of the family told us later how much it meant to Kelly's family to see all of us there.

I can understand how you feel over your loss. Please know that my prayers are with your co-worker's family and also with you at this very difficult time.

[pomtzu]

It is difficult to experience something such as this. Unfortunately, I had the experience of losing 3 of my co-workers, and all 3 to brain tumors. One gal was in her 40's and the other 2 in their mid 50's. I was quite close to one of them - we used to socialize after work, etc. quite frequently. She was diagnosed in May and passed away in August 2005, so it was very quick for her. Unfortunately, the other 2 lingered on much longer. It really hit me like a ton of bricks..........there but for the grace of God, go I.
To all that have experienced this, you have my understanding.

[Scooter's Mom]

I know this will seem silly... but here is one of the little things. As I said, Brian & I weren't particularly close.

One day, about 3 months back, I went way outside my comfort zone and wore a blouse that was patterned. I usually wear solid colors. I don't like to draw attention to myself. This patterned blouse took me a good month to get the nerve to wear after I purchased it... and I was so terrified to wear it.

The day after I wore it, I got an email from Brian that said he had been really busy the day before, but he really wanted to make sure I knew that the blouse was flattering and complemented my skin tone, and how nice it looked. He wasn't being a pervert about it, he was being very sincere.

I was so happy about that email, I printed it and brought it home to show my hubby! He thought it was funny b/c he wanted me to wear the blouse for weeks.

That one little random act of kindness really boosted my morale so much. I actually have several blouses with patterns now, and every time I wear any of them, I think of Brian.

Thanks for always letting me ramble and talk things through. I love PT.