The loss of a family member can be traumatic. You need time to grieve and process the passing of a loved one, especially if it is sudden. One death is bad enough but losing three siblings in under a year is unfathomable.

That has been my lot and my family’s lot over the past year. On May 17, 2024, the second eldest in our family, Mike, suddenly passed away. His death at age 71 was unexpected. Three weeks later on June 8, 2024, my youngest brother, Phil died at age 60. He had been battling several ailments but fought the good fight until the end.

Three weeks after Phil’s passing, the second youngest in our family, Stevie, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He also battled hard and we had high hopes that the new drugs he was on would prolong his life, but on April 17 this year at the age of 63 he succumbed.

All my brothers died with dignity and with family members by their side. Still, when people you have known all your life pass away it is difficult to process. It takes time. They will be missed terribly.

The roller coaster ride of the past year has been compounded by the loss of two long-time friends during the same period. As if losing three siblings wasn’t bad enough! Philippa (Adelaide) and Steph (Melbourne) were also brave to the end.

We all grieve in our own way. There is no right or wrong way to tap into the immense sorrow you feel but having a religious belief certainly helps. The thought that one day we will be together again is comforting.

One of my brothers was an atheist, one was agnostic, and the third was quite Catholic. A mixed bag, but that’s what families are these days. Every family has its ups and downs. Everyone experiences trauma. Death is a part of life. There is no escape. As the saying goes, the only two certainties in life are death and taxes. Thank you, Benjamin Franklin, for those words of wisdom.

Words of wisdom for sure but the enduring pain of losing loved ones is undeniable!