My brother was born 11 years before me; my sister 8 years before me. I was the baby. (And believe me, I often did let my resentment be known. Who wants to be “the baby?”)
Then they grew up and went off to college — even eventually getting married. And I became the “only.” Not a bad place to be, the youngest and the only. Just ask an Adlerian.
Now I’m the “only” again. My brother, Carl Harvey Gustafson, ended his life journey in 1998. And yesterday, after a long hard struggle between the forces of staying and those of leaving, my sister, Thelma Gustafson Wyland, crossed the border into whatever there is beyond this life. She did fight it. For four weeks she could take no food or water and still persisted. Thanks be to God, her struggle is over.
Please don’t cry for her or for me. We are both in a good place.
monagustafsonaffinito 
Mona – I am so very sorry for your recent loss and want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I too have been losing friends. Fortunately, not family as mine is so very small. Now that their struggles are over, peace prevails.
Sincerely, Pat
On Thu, Jul 27, 2017 at 1:07 PM, monagustafsonaffinito wrote:
> Mona Gustafson Affinito posted: “My brother was born 11 years before me; > my sister 8 years before me. I was the baby. (And believe me, I often did > let my resentment be known. Who wants to be “the baby?”) Then they grew up > and went off to college — even eventually getting married. And” >
Thanks so much, Pat. Yes, we are a point in life where we experience and anticipate that folks will be moving on. It makes one alert, I think, to the challenge of enjoying this end of the journey, contributing what we can with joy. I so appreciate your taking notice.
Big hug, Mona.I am grateful that you are alive. And very much so, as I know you
Perfect response, Leelah. Thanks
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Mona. I know you mean it when you say not to cry for you or for her, but my heart goes out to you for the loss of your beloved sister.
Dear Pam. You are so sweet — and always there. Thanks.
My Sympathies Mona.
Thanks, Linda. Oh my, it’s been so long. I’ve been out of Connecticut now for 22 years — longer than the length of my marriage. It’s gone so fast. And I still start to say “Connecticut” when people ask me where I’m from. I know you have been through a lot. I hope all is reasonably good for you now. (I still tell people stories of your skill.)
I’m sorry for your loss, Mona. This is a beautifully written piece.
💜☮️ Mary
>
What a lovely comment, Mary. Thanks so much.
Mona, I’ll accede to your instruction not to cry, and will ask an Adlerian. But it’s still true that this isn’t fun; it’s hard to lose those you love, and your friends want you to know we notice, we care, and our hugs are coming your way. Grace and Peace be with your dear, sweet, courageous Swedish soul.
Thanks for this lovely comment …
Lovely comment for a lovely soulful soul.
Oh my, Gordon. That’s one of the nicest things I’ve heard in a long time. Thanks.
I will not cry for you, but I will feel sorry for your loss. I am glad you are in a good place and she is at peace. Peace and blessings to you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
https://www.sott.net/article/271933-Scientists-claim-that-Quantum-Theory-proves-consciousness-moves-to-another-universe-at-death
I thought at this time you would like to know what some scientists think they know.
Be happy little girl for you are the last to know!
I love this! Thanks. I, too, am glad to be the last one standing. I only hope that when the consciousness I’ve borrowed goes back to the Cosmos, or wherever, that I may have given it a shot of love to transmit broadly.
Sorry to learn of your recent loss. It’s never the same. Big hug for you. Peace and blessings be with you!
So sorry to hear of your sister, Thelma’s passing. You’ve spoken of her often and it sure must be hard to lose a sister. I cannot even imagine. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Dottie
Thanks, dear Dottie. Truly, all is good and peace.
Thanks for your loving care, Amy
So sorry for your loss, dear teacher, mentor, and friend.
What a kind and loving message. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
I’d like to extend my condolences. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Thank you, Sheryl, from the bottom of my heart.