I couldn't come up with a title this morning (not that my titles are ever any good but still). I have some sad news. The family was informed on Wednesday night that my uncle was brain dead and they would not perform any operations. Yesterday the immediate family met with the doctor to discuss the next step and a strong suggestion was made to remove the machines. Everyone decided it was for the best and after the arrival of the priest, everyone went home.

It was good to have a day for everything to sink in. They're a strong bunch and though there's still a bit of crying left to do for my aunt and the kids, everyone is doing really well. I was most concerned about my quiet cousin S. He's such a big teddy bear. A big, quiet guy. He's doing well though and as we left the hospital we joked about taking the tv from the family room. All things considered, everyone is doing really well.

The final information from the doctors is that he was dead when he arrived on Sunday. The fall was not the cause of the injuries. He had a massive stroke which collapsed a major artery to the brain. The sudden stop of flowing blood caused him to collapse and fall. The doctors indicated that the lack of broken bones supports the fact that he was already unconscious at the time of the fall. He assured everyone that a stroke of that size is very uncommon and is not something that the kids need to concern themselves with.

I decided not to see him. I want to remember the happy, cheery man who was always in a happy mood, always smiling and always telling a little joke.

Thank you to everyone who said a prayer and sent well wishes. All of your thoughts and gestures were and are appreciated. Thanks again guys.