304: in his own way

 

thank you for all of the love you have been sending. i feel it.

You know me- I'm open and don't usually shy away from sharing the hard stuff. I do hesitate to tell you  this, just because it's so raw and harsh. But it will be in the paper in the next day or so anyways, and more people will read it there than they will in this post.

So (with my father's blessing) I am just going to say it :

Thursday night, my brother Michael killed himself.

He didn't want us to dance around it, so we aren't.

This is the first line of his obituary, which we finalized last night:

Michael Averinos left this life in his own way on February 19, 2009.

 

keep sending the love.

xo, m

Comments

[jess]

M- i am sending thoughts and prayers and blessings and love and all that is good. please take good care of yourself and know that you are loved.

[Robin]

My heart breaks for your family and the people who loved your brother. Words cannot convey my sorrow for you and my hope that you will rely on the love of your family and friends during this most difficlt time.

[Kathleen C.]

Oh. Oh, I am so sorry! Many thoughts of strength and support to you and your family. So, so sorry.

[Trish]

Melissa, I know mere words can not begin to help you heal, but please know that we are all "here" for you. We all send you our prayers and thoughts.

[shawna]

I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you all love and strength during this difficult time.
~shawna

[Sue]

Love you Melissa. You're amazing.

Sue

[Sue]

Love you Melissa. You're amazing.

Sue

[andrea]

Mel,
Just saw this post- and my heart sank. Don't have words for it, except that i am so sorry for your loss. I am surrounding you with light and love and will be sending prayers of healing to you and your family.
love,light and hugs, andrea

[Elizabeth Brennick]

Melissa, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. You have an angel looking over you!

[Dena (SugarShop)]

Melissa, I know there are no words, my mom lost her brother this way when I was little and my best friend lost her brother this way a couple of years ago, now every year we celebrate the life that my friends brother did have. I hope you and your family will be able to do the same.My thoughts are with you. (((big big hug)))

[Martha]

Aah...such raw pain...I'm sorry, my love to you and your family,

[britt]

condolescences. you all will be in my prays.

[John]

Melissa,
I am so sorry....you and Kritter are in my thoughts and prayers.....much love! xoxoxox

[Ashley]

Melissa, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Sending lots of love your way.

[Sunni]

Oh, Melissa, this is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sending you all the hope, love and peace that I can.

[Kate]

With a sad and heavy heart, I will be thinking of you and your family. Much love.

[tea and cake]

I am sending you my love and best wishes. It is very hard for you and your family to lose someone so loved, even though this is what your brother wanted, needed to do. Something, thankfully, many of us won't understand.
He is where he wanted to be, and there is nothing any of you could have done to avoid it. It is not a reflection upon any of you, please know this. Karen xx

[Abbie]

I am so sorry to hear that! My thoughts are with you and your family.

[susan]

Melissa,
I am so sorry to hear this. I just talked to you but wanted to write you a note as well.
I am glad to offer any support I can now and always.
Love,
Susan

[susy]

My heart goes out to you and your family. My dad took his own life when I was 26. It was shattering. Your brother's death will numb you (anger you, stab you, haunt you) for months and months and months. The wound will lessen, heal, but the scar and ache will stay and inform the rest of your life.