Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Ann Mary Burger (April 6, 1923 - October 20, 2008)

Diane’s mother died on Monday in Baltimore, Maryland. Diane had flown out there on Friday and got to spend a very nice day with her mother Saturday.

Along with the pain of losing her mother, her brother, who was her mother’s legal representative had Diane’s visitation privileges revoked. Why? Because he could. Because he asked her not to show up at the hospice until noon on Sunday, which she did wait until noon, but she failed to call him on his cell and ask his permission to enter the room before she walked in. He told Diane she would be subordinate to him or not see her mother at all. After Social workers stepped in and tried to mediate a workable situation an attorney friend of Diane’s in Maryland advised her to “Kiss his ass or you will not see your mother at all”. Her last visit on Sunday was a supervised 1 hour visit to say her goodbyes. Her brother informed her that her visitations would be terminated altogether on Tuesday. Diane’s mother died the next day, on Monday. Her mother’s services are private (read: Diane is not invited) Given all of this, there really was not much point in staying in Maryland so she flew back home to Victoria late last night. Diane’s relationship with her brother is strained to say the least. A lot of it is the gay thing. Diane’s brother does not hesitate to tell her how much he hates her.

Now, take a moment to imagine if Diane and I had stayed in the States and something had happened to Diane. What do you think he would have done to me?

Reason number 1909 we are glad to be living in Canada is, families are often ugly and they can not touch us here.

6 comments:

MSEH said...

Oh, I am so very sorry to hear that - both the loss of her mother and her brother's behaviour at this time. How horrific. My heartfelt condolences to you both.

And, yes, one more reason...

West End Bob said...

You know our thoughts are there with you both . . . .

laura k said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I wish you both peace.

Vancouver Isle Doug said...

Wow, I am is a state of shock after reading this. As an only child I guess I was 'fortunate' to not have to deal with any siblings when my mother died in 1999. I know how difficult it is to go the loss of one's mother but to have to deal with a sibling like that is unimaginable.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to both of you.

D&D

Toma said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in those pleasant memories.

It is truly unbelievable what people get away with based on their distorted view of love. My half-brother did the same thing to me and my Grandmother and my other siblings apparently supported his lies. Remembering how my Grandmother loved me unconditionally is all that matters.

Those who would exert the energy to hate instead of love, deserves all the misery they find. And, we'll have nothing to do with them.

Canada Calling said...

Thanks so much for all the love and support!