Hi everyone,
I’ve been debating whether to speak publicly about this, but I’ve decided I’d rather you know why I’m stepping back from my writing duties for a week or two. There will be a delay in response time, so just bear with me.
This past Friday, the 24th, my youngest brother suffered a random slip and fall type injury in his apartment. It progressed from being only a bad bump on the head to, later, provoking a violent seizure which no one witnessed, to causing potentially severe brain damage and then, finally, to absolutely no hope of survival in only a handful of hours on Friday evening. The death certificate was formally issued on Sunday, but we knew almost right away that he was gone.
I’m sure you can imagine the shock we’re all dealing with right now. I’d like to ask that you all do me a personal favor today and hug everyone who will let you. Tell everyone you can what they mean to you. Our time on this earth is so damned short, so please don’t take it for granted. Celebrate each day as best you can. As much as it’s hurting us, we do see that it was my brother’s time to go. The signs were there, but in his passing he is giving the gift of life to others through organ donation, so PLEASE consider supporting those programs in your own ways. My brother will get to live on through so many others and it’s been a tremendous comfort to my family.
He was a sweet, selfless guy who always did for others and never did nearly enough for himself (much to my annoyance, honestly). If you’re the praying sort, I’d be grateful if you could say a prayer for him to ease him on his way to a better place.
My readers and colleagues in this wonderfully weird and gay corner of the romantic fiction world mean more to me than you can ever know. You have enriched my life, expanded my mind, filled my heart, and I have so much love for each and every one of you. I’d hug you all if I could.
With gratitude,
Lynn
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Thank you, Tami <3
Lynn
My deepest sympathies to you and your family Lynn. I’m going to start my hugs now.
Thank you, Gigi <3 *hugs*
Lynn
Lynn my sincere condolences to you and yours . I know these are tough times ahead. You can never be prepared for times like these. You take all the time you need and grieve properly. Your fans know and understand these are difficult times. Please accept a big hug and a smile with a few tears mixed in from me. Take care of you.
Thank you so much, Jan <3 *hugs back*
Lynn
Wow!! I am so sorry!! My condolences to you and your family. Losing someone is so hard and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care!!
Thank you, Tamara! <3
Lynn
My deepest condolences on your loss. And thank you very much for your advice that you gave at the end of your post. I’ll start with a virtual hug to you. *hugs*
Thank you so much! And apologies for the delayed reply. I’m starting to try getting back into things now. The hug is much appreciated 🙂
*hugs back*
I just finished reading Song of the Lonesome Cowboy and wrote a review.
I cannot tell you how it touched my heart, in so many ways. As I checked to see if you had a blog I came across your letter above.
I can only say how sorry I am for you and your family.
As an organ donor myself, I too hope to help someone when my time comes. I know the people your brother helped will be grateful because of his selfless act.
Thank you for having the courage to share.
Hi Diane,
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a message (and also to write a review for Song of the Lonesome Cowboy!). I truly appreciate your kind words. It had never occurred to me before this awful tragedy how comforting it could be to know a loved one lives on through others in a very real way, and that my brother’s death doesn’t have to be for nothing. I hadn’t been an organ donor before this, but now I am, seeing how it’s an act that benefits so many on both sides of the situation.
Thank you so much for reading. It means the world to hear my work has touched the hearts of others. I wish you nothing but the best. It’s very good to meet you!
Lynn