Schizophrenia: The Perspective of a Father & Brother-in-Law

I have been writing this blog since November 2007 and I am about to do something I never thought I would. My brother-in-law is dying, we think of cancer, all tests point to it, we got the news two days ago in mid-afternoon, and we are devastated, it makes me think of all the past phone calls I have received concerning death of relatives. Beginning in 1967, I answered the phone when an uncle died, four years later my grandfather, five years after that my other grandfather, thirteen years after that another uncle, four years later a grandmother, the following year, 1994, my dad, three years after that my other grandmother, and now my brother-in-law, who by the way, is named Bobby. I had not revealed his name until now. Sometimes I wonder if I am unlucky or just in the right place at the wrong time. Well, now we have to make plans when he will pass and he will, unfortunately. I know of no one that has lived forever except in spirit. It makes you wonder about your own mortality, the VA is doing all it can for him, mainly to keep him as comfortable as possible, he is just a shell of his former self. I haven't seen him in nearly a week due to the fact I have been handling chores around the house. I have been getting my son's affairs in order for him and trying to comfort my wife to the best of my ability. Maybe someday I will be rewarded for my efforts as a human being, though I don't think I am that great a person other than someone who has always tried to to his best and give his all. All I have ever wanted for my efforts is an occasional "Thank You". It never hurts for you to be acknowledged, if that sounds vain, no apologies. This is my blog and my thoughts. Till next time, peace..