A death and a profit

[crowdog66]

I just got a call from another elder in the local Pagan community, informing me that a third elder, someone I knew through encounters at various Pagan events, someone who I greatly liked and admired, died this morning. He had stomach cancer, but chose not to tell very many people. One of the many people who didn't know was me.

I'm walking around in shock right now. This is the third death in my vicinity, so to speak, in less than a year, and the second from cancer. There's nothing I'd like to do more than crawl into bed and pull the covers over my head, but I'm waiting on an email from my HB editor about the two covers I finished painting for him earlier today (which, by the way, netted me about $160 for four hours of work).

My head feels like a beehive, full of muted buzzing. It's as if my mother just died all over again.

EDITED TO ADD: I've just heard that the hospital in question treated Glen, Steve's partner, as next of kin/spouse in every way. They made every accomodation to his visiting and explained things to him clearly and with patience. Thank the Gods for mercies great and small.

Comments

[silverjackal.livejournal.com]

I'm very sorry.

This is the third death in my vicinity, so to speak, in less than a year

It doesn't feel like it's letting up, does it? I don't know what it is, but the last two years seem to be filled with tragedy for so many people. I know this is a figment, a statistical fluke, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. You'll get through it, though. Try to hang on to the good things -- like the stellar job you did, and the warmth generated by happy household felines.

[crowdog66.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :-) I'm trying very hard to reorient my inner compass on the good things, but right now the pull of "Oh, FUCK, another death!" is pretty darned strong.

I'm sure I'll feel better in a day or so, or even in a few hours. It's just right now that sucks mightily.

[elaryn.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. *big hugs*

[crowdog66.livejournal.com]

Thanks. *hugs back* Steve was a great guy; he'll be sorely missed by many people.

I have to dig up his partner's phone number and give him a call. I can't imagine what it must be like to lose your husband (they'd been together for over 15 years); I just hope that the hospital and Steve's family allowed Glenn access to him as he lay dying.

[elaryn.livejournal.com]

Oh, gee... I hope so, too. I couldn't imagine being mean-spirited enough to keep someone's life partner away during such a time.

[crowdog66.livejournal.com]

See the main entry for a clarification. The hospital DID treat Glen as Steve's spouse. Thank the Gods for that.

[eastpath.livejournal.com]

Is Glen the Glen that I know or a different person?

*hugs* that is pretty shocking... :( Don't worry about posting stuff to the SW group either, take that as it comes...

This is just... wow. :(

[crowdog66.livejournal.com]

The Glen in question is Glen Hoban, the incense maker.

[eastpath.livejournal.com]

Oh I don't think I know that Glen... still a sad event at any rate, I'm glad the hospital was compassionate towards him...

[metisbutterfly.livejournal.com]

I wish the Elder that you speak of much gentleness and goodness as he passes across the veil...may his crossing be brief and loving.