My brother Douglas
MY brother Doug died on Saturday.
He lived in Australia and I didn't get to see him all that often. But when I did I loved it. I last saw him about 18 months ago. He was over here and we played golf together in London.
He was getting over a stroke and was looking really well. Seemed to be making a full recovery.
Then cancer gets him. Liver cancer and it didn't take long. I had a feeling all day Friday that something was wrong. I spoke to my sister and she said it was any time. He died at 2am on Saturday morning. He was 68 years old.
Doug was a golf professional. He was good enough to contend for titles on the Far Eastern Tour when he was a young man. Latterly he'd been a teaching pro in Australia where he lived with his family near Brisbane.
Lynne and I were talking about going out to see him. Play some golf, maybe take in a Test match. The lesson is: Do these things. Don't put off. One day - like today - you'll turn round and it will be too late. Then all you'll think about is what I'm thinking about. About all the things I wanted to say that will never get said.
His family are talking about coming over at Christmas. Doug always said he wanted his ashes scattered on the Thames.
At work. Not really in the mood for work but not in mood for moping at home either.
Gina wrote...
Dear Mr. Machray:
I was visiting your website while doing some unrelated research, when I read of your brother's death.
I feel moved to say that I am very sorry for your loss, as I am sure many around you are. Losing a family member can be hard. Depending on the circumstances, it can sometimes take months or years before the pain eases up noticably.
I do hope and pray that you and all those who loved your brother will still find many moments of laughter and joy even at this time and in the days ahead.
Did I also read that you are avoiding drinking? Good for you! I'm sure you have your reasons. Please don't hesitate to ask for lots of extra support if you need it (do you belong to any kind of support group like AA?) and, most of all, keep going!
I hope that, in spite of the challenges, you will be richly blessed this year.
Gina Cobb
U.S.A.
Posted by: Gina | November 3, 2006 8:51 AM