What it’s like

My aunt and uncle were supposed to be here today for a fun visit. Their world has been thrown into chaos instead, and my heart is breaking for them. Their oldest son is 39 years old and has been a severe alcoholic his entire adult life. We’ve all seen the toll it’s taken on his mind and body. We’ve known this day would come sooner than later. Even so, it’s hard to accept that day has arrived. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital last night and immediately put into intensive care. He is in a coma and likely has brain damage. The doctors say if he makes it through the next few days, he will need to be transferred to another hospital for a serious lung operation. It’s not looking good. I know that he’s done this to himself, but this man, my cousin who is such a big part of my childhood memories, is a good soul. He’d never hurt a flea. He has a huge heart and is always so thoughtful and kind. He has a son he loves dearly. But, he has had an addiction to alcohol that has done irreparable damage to his body over the years. It’s caught up to him, and he’s suffering the brutal consequences. His poor parents are beside themselves. I just can’t imagine what it must be like to lose a child. No matter how grown they get, they’re still your child. Life isn’t supposed to work that way. Parents aren’t supposed to have to bury their children. My heart is heavy this afternoon.