Sudden Passing

If you aren't ready for a really sad story, don't read this post.
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Last night I attended a viewing for one of my second cousins, on my mom's side of the family.  He died two days before Christmas after a long battle with substance abuse.  It was a worst-case scenario.  After overdosing on the 11th and surviving, he overdosed again on the 23rd.  Heroin.  This time he didn't make it.  I think everyone is certain it was no accident.

Shane was 27 years old.  11 years younger than me.  I can't quite wrap my mind around it.

This is not a cousin I was particularly close to but I saw him at larger family functions over the years, usually centered around a major event (wedding, funeral, holiday party).  He is the youngest of 3 boys and I've always liked going to the family's home for parties.  They are a really warm, loving family.  I recall the boys being very ornery in their younger days, always getting into trouble (the mild, childish kind).  Due mostly to the age difference, I was never got to know him or his brothers very well.  Thanks to Facebook, I recently chatted with him here and there, finding out that we have similar tastes in music and getting a sense of just who he is (was).

By all accounts, Shane was a good person with a terrible problem.  Some might even call it a disease.  God bless his parents who did everything in their power to help him with all the issues that go hand in hand with this degree of addiction- counseling/medical/rehab/legal problems.  Everything you don't want to imagine.  At times, it seems like he might have been getting ahead of it- he even served in the marine corp in his early 20s.  I don't know the whole story.  In fact, I wasn't even aware of the problem until just a few months ago.

I was not able to attend the actual funeral today because I didn't have anyone to watch the kids.  I had the privilege of reading the eulogy, written by his father but read by another family member today.  It is just beautiful.  This family- an amazing family- going through so much to lead up to this tragedy.  Many horrible times along the way and some tough ones up ahead too, I'm sure. 

I can't even imagine the pain his parents and brothers are in, not to mention other family members and friends.  I know how I feel and I didn't share a particularly close relationship with him.  I pray that over time, his family will begin to heal.

Who ever imagines this for their child?  Of all the worries I have now for these little ones, can I even fathom what lies ahead in the future?  I tend to think of hopes and dreams.  I don't tend to entertain the possibility of a tragic future.

I pray that he is at peace.  That he is resting easy. 
God Bless you Shane!

November 16, 1984 - December 23, 2011