I Just Said Goodbye

[oldnotdead]

I just said goodbye to my brother. Agent Orange finally got him. A veteran of the 5th Mechanized Infantry Regiment, 25th Division. Awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions in Operation Junction City.

He suffered from PTSD and after-effects of Agent Orange exposure. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, and ischemic heart disease (cause of death) all caused by Agent Orange exposure.

We had a long talk (several hours) right after he was admitted about a month ago. We both agreed that we never wanted to live as an invalid and in his case to be a burden to his kids and grandkids. At least I had a chance to say goodbye to him. Too many times we are unable to have that type of closure.

He smiled at me tonight and wrote on his whiteboard. "Go Rams" He was never a big NFL fan, he was a hardcore Dodger fan. He used to coach high school and little league baseball for years. But he would talk football with me and he was very knowledgeable as his son played high school football as a DB.

If I'm not on the board much for a while you guys know why.

 

[Londoner]

My most sincere condolences to you and your family.

May your brother rest in peace.

 

[XXXIVwin]

My condolences. Glad that you two had a chance to find closure together. Sounds like you guys had a good bond.

 

[AvengerRam]

May his memory be a blessing.

 

[Ramhusker]

Sorry man. I know it’s hard to lose a sibling.

 

[CGI_Ram]

My condolences OnD. Thanks for sharing.

I’ve not lost a sibling. I can’t imagine.

 

[Loyal]

I am sorry for your loss....

 

[Tano]

My condolences OnD. Thanks for sharing.

I’ve not lost a sibling. I can’t imagine.

Neither have I. Going to be tough if either of them goes.

My condolences as well OND

 

[OldSchool]

My condolences on your loss. As somebody who's lost a few family members lately, not brothers close, it's never easy and I couldn't imagine losing somebody that close.

Take care

 

[RamsSince1969]

My deepest heartfelt condolences. My brother Alan is at the Riverside National Cemetery. Didn't see action, but was a Sgt in the army, and always struggled with alcohol his entire life. We lost him to a ruined liver at the young age of 52.
I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[norcalramfan]

You have my sincere condolences. Take care.

 

[dieterbrock]

We may just be Ram-bros here, but we are here for you just the same. Take care man, my sincerest condolences

 

[Memento]

My utmost condolences, Old. May your brother rest in peace.

 

[snackdaddy]

Condolences. I lost my brother a few years ago to cancer. He was only 64. You always think you're older brother in invincible. Life takes on a different outlook after that.

 

[Dodgersrf]

So sorry to hear.

 

[Merlin]

Sorry for your loss. Lost my oldest brother a few years back so I know how you feel man.

 

[TK42-RAM]

Sorry for your loss.

R.I.P.

 

[oldnotdead]

Thank you all for your kind words and support. I've visited the forum a few times, not to post but to take my mind to a better place. Losing my friends in combat was in some ways easier because it was war. In the heat of battle and anger was all I needed to deal with. My brother was a war casualty decades later, killed by our own government's stupidity. But I have to remember things in the context of the time.

This forum and my bothers here are a safe haven for me to come to and bring my mind to a better place. You have no idea how important this place is to me right now. It still makes me smile how my brother said "Go Rams". Even he knew at the end where I needed to mentally go. So yeah Go Rams is where I'm taking myself.

My heartfelt gratitude to you all! Hell how can they lose now when even my brother who wasn't an NFL fan was rooting for them!

Go Rams and fuck the Niners and Hawks! Oh yeah and Fuck PFF's ratings. The dick wads.

 

[OregonRamsFan]

So sorry for your loss. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a sibling. I wish you happiness in remembrance of your brother.

 

[Judge Doom]

Just now reading this.

As a USCG vet myself always hate to hear about another fellow military man passing away.

My condolences and hope he RIP. Don't know you personally, but we are here for you friend.