Sunday 9 August 2009

Heartbroken

He taught us love and kindness, courage and stamina, leadership and hope. He taught us to laugh and cry and how to be a best friend. Wise beyond his years, we could all try to be just a little bit more like Eric - that would make our world a better place.

This is just so wrong.

Eric you are my hero. Love you forever. Fly with angels.

Eric Thomas MacLeod Brule
January 16, 1987 - August 9, 2009


Arrangements being cared for the the Hulse Playfair and McGarry West Chapel, 150 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa, ON
Visiting Wednesday August 12/09 from 6pm - 9pm
Funeral in the chapel on Thursday August 13/09 at 11am

48 comments:

zachanderin said...

I don't know what to say except that we are all heartbroken with you. Kathy, thank you for sharing Eric's life with us. He remains an inspiration to those walking the same walk... I am just so sorry and we will always keep you in our hearts and prayers. xoxo Erin and Zach

Duane said...

Kathy,

Though I've never had the great pleasure of meeting you and your wonderful, courageous son, Eric, in person, I feel like I do know you over our years of blogging and communicating. I'm so fortunate to have gotten to know you and your beloved son.

Eric and you have shared your immense strength and knowledge with so many cancer survivors and their families. We will miss Eric tremendously and your ceaseless kindness.

I wish I could be more articulate this morning after learning of this tragic news....

Please know that so many are thinking of you and your family today and in the weeks ahead. Sending you hugs of happiness, strength, and peace.

If I can ever be of any help, please don't hesitate to ask.

With love.

Veronica said...

I wish I could be as articulate as Duane.....but I have no words......just such sadness.....sending you the tightest, supportive hugs

<3

Vx

anjou said...

My heart goes out to you, Kathy, and your family. I am saddened to read this horrid news and offer my condolences.

Linda aka anjou

laulausmamma said...

This just breaks my heart Kathy. I'm so very very sorry that you've lost your hero. Eric's fight to win the battle against HL has been inspiring and courageous. You have been a wonderful caregiver right along side of him every step of the way. Please feel the love and supportive ((HUGS)) being sent to you as we all morn the loss of this wonderful young man.

((HUGS))
Susan (laulausmamma)

Heather said...

no! i am so sorry.

Anonymous said...

The wind's just been knocked out of me and I can't wrap my head around this...

Kathy, I don't know what to say. "I'm sorry" is so inadequate. I feel sick. And angry. SO angry.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

- Lisa, aka "sunshinebird"

naw said...

kathy this makes me so sad to have read. you and eric have been an inspiration to me since...I am so very sorry for your loss. Im speechless about this, eric was such an amazing person from what I was told by you from our various on line discussions. we have lost a fellow warrior and a truely amazing soul. my deepest warmest thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

Jessica said...

I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Eric's death. This is so sudden, horrible, and senseless. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jessica (fleurdelys7)

Anonymous said...

Kathy:
I am so very very sorry.

Thank you for all your help and inspiration as shared Eric's journey with us.
Anne (Annejohn)

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear this. I followed your blog closely as eric was around the same age I am. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Kev

Tori said...

Oh My God. I am speechless.

Please take care of yourself. I am so very very sorry.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathy,

I rarely check in on the Hodgkin's Forum these days and was shocked, I mean shocked to read this tragic news.

I am so sorry. This is so unfair; so sad. I've enjoyed your encouraging posts so often; I just feel speechless. Sending you hugs.

Mary Carlson(MaryNM/MamaBear)

Anonymous said...

Kathy,

Oh I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. I don't what to say. I'm so angry that this happened. Please know that you and Eric will always have a place in my heart, always.

Jane

Jenny said...

I am very sorry, Kathy. You're right -- it is wrong.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am deeply saddened and my heart goes out to you and your family....I was shocked when I read your entry today.
I am also a stem cell transplant patient and have learned alot from blogs like yours....thank you for sharing his story and I am very truly sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Donna H.

Julie said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't find words to express how I feel, but please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Julie Doll (aka beightler68)

Gail said...

Dear Kathy and family of Eric,

Eric has fought a long, brave battle and you were there for him every step of the way. He was very lucky to be surrounded with such love and support.
My thoughts and prayers are with you - I wish there was some way to to make the pain and sorrow go away...

I hope you can find some peace in knowing that he is in God's hands now.

With caring thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy,

Gail

Chris said...

Kathy,

I just read the sad news and wanted to show my support. I was and still am so inspired by Eric's spirit and courage. Hoping you can find serenity in the upcoming days knowing Eric's spirit will be with us forever.

Big Hugs,

Chris Carr
chrisccc3

Maureen said...

Oh Kathy, I could never find the right words. I am so very sorry about Eric. He was such a fighter and an inspiration to all.

You are one of the most amazing mothers that I have even known (even if it wasn't in person.) You took such amazing care of Eric. Your love for him and your determination to get him well always shined through in everything you write.

God Bless you and your family. I will be praying for you all.

Love & Hugs, Maureen

Unknown said...

Kathy and family

I am so shocked, so sad. I can't put into words how I feel....these shoes are so wrong and hard to wear. Know this - Eric and you are still my inspiration to help Greg fight this monster.

It is so devastatingly wrong.

You are in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Kathy

I am so sorry to hear this terrible news.

Nancy (pine soul)

Anonymous said...

Kathy,

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your and your family's loss. It breaks my heart to hear such terrible news. My thoughts are with you.

Love,
Melissa

Sandi said...

this is actually my first visit here. I found you through The Journal of a Prizefighter blog. I am a fellow Hodgkin's Fighter. I have been in remission now for 18 months. I don't know you or your son but one can't help but feel this bond between others who have suffered with this. I am so sorry for your loss. As a mother myself I can't even begin to imagine. He seems very blessed to have had someone like you to be there for him.

Anonymous said...

Kathy and family,

I am so sorry to hear about Eric. He fought valiantly and had so much support in his battle. So unfair!

My thoughts are with you all.
Terry

Anonymous said...

Dearest Kathy and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. As many have already said, words fail to express how truly saddened and deeply sorry I am over Eric's passing. Yes, may he fly with the angels.

Melissa (aka MissM)

Bonnie said...

Truly heartbroken for you and your family. I wish there were words to help ease the pain of such a devastating loss. My thoughts are with you . . .


Bonnie
(SweetSarcasm)

Anonymous said...

Kathy,
I truly do not know what to say. Eric was so young and I thought that he was going to be one of the lucky ones :( I am truly, truly saddened and want you to know that I am thinking of you and your family.
Love,
Cathy Nicholov

KJS said...

Kathy,

I am so, so sorry. I don't even know the words to say to make you feel better - just know I'm praying for you and your family.

Kerri

KJS4USC

Brandy Vargas said...

Kathy - My heart breaks with yours reading this. Eric was blessed to have such a wonderful and loving mother. He was blessed and touched the world. He will never be forgotten. My heart is heavy for you and your family.

Love,
Brandy

Anonymous said...

Your family is in my thoughts. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
Kelly (kittycatmom)

o2bhiking said...

So young. I cannot imagine how painful this is for you all, so I will just say you are in my thoughts and prayers, and you have my condolences. Art: 7 Year Hodgkin lymphoma survivor

Anonymous said...

Nathan-
To Eric's family and Morgan, I pray you all can get threw this very difficult time. Its so said to hear of his passing. I wish that I had gotten to know him better.

connie said...

Kathy,
With a heavy heart I am so sorry to hear of Eric's passing. I will be thinking and praying for you as I know it does not get any easier. Thank you for all of your care for your wonderful son. You were a wonderful caregiver and I am sure he appreciated it so much.
(((hugs))))!!
Connie
conlan

Momofmike said...

Kathy, my heart is just broken after learning about the death of your son Eric. You have always been there to express your thoughts whenever I had questions. You are a great mom and caregiver that was there for him all through his battle. My thoughts and prayers surround you and your family. This is such a shock.

Sharon
MomofMike

Adrienne said...

Oh, Kathy, we are so, so sorry and sad to hear about Eric and I wish there was a way to reach out and hug you, mom to mom. I know this is our biggest fear and all I want to do is scream and cry with you.

Please, we're here if you need anything. I know you'll find strength in the coming days, but know that we're thinking of you and there in spirit, if not in person.

Lots of love and hugs, Alison and Adrienne

Anonymous said...

Dear Kathy and Family,
I am heartbroken for you. This should not have happened -should never happen. I can only believe that Eric's spirit will wrap around you and that you may feel his love surround you, forever.

Carey (Lambie)

Idaho Cowgirl said...

Dear Kathy and Family,

Sorry seems so inadequate! The love you showed for Eric was so obvious by the things you wrote. May you find joy at his memory and know he is always with you.

Rosellen (Idaho Cowgirl)

B. said...

My dearest Kathy,

Tender words escape me, at such a heartbreaking time for you, Shelly, Cor, Morgan, and the rest of the family. I am here. And, sending you love and strength in the coming days -- something a mom should never, ever have to go through. But just as you said... this is so wrong.

I take to heart, what Eric brought into this life not only into your family, but into the other families that looked to him (and still do) for inspiration, determination, strength, and a zest for life.

A bright light, has been lost.
And, I am so, deeply, deeply, sorry.

We will talk soon. But, know I am here. Wishing I could surround you and the family with hugs, but know my most sincerest thoughts are with you and everyone else during these next difficult steps.

Sending Love and Comfort,
Bekah

Anonymous said...

I'm SO sorry for your loss. Eric taught us so much. So sad.
Loving hugs,
Carla

Sig said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. So sad for you all. :(
Seegal

Anonymous said...

Dearest Kathy,

Words will never be able to describe the impact Eric made on me. Before I was ever informed he had been sick in the past, Eric earned my respect, immediately, through his hard work ethic and integrity. It was clear, he was destined for success.

He started off as my employee and quickly became my friend. He felt like both a brother and a son to me. I cared for Eric so much, I wish it didn't have to end this way.

Eric was nothing short of a class act from top to bottom. From the deepest point in my heart, I loved Eric.

I thank you Kathy for raising such a wonderful child. I feel both honoured and privileged to have known Eric and I will cherish all the moments we shared together.

My prayers go out to you and your family and Morgan, who is the strongest women I have ever met. She was Eric's blessing.

He will be missed endlessly.


With love,

Paul Deek and family

Cláudia said...

The right words are so hard to find for the sudden loss of Eric.
Kathy my thoughts are with you and your family.


Claudia(cm78)

Anonymous said...

Dear Kathy,
I am so sorry to hear of Eric's passing. My own son is just a year younger than Eric. Eric's photo and story was an inspiration to me as my son battled Hodgkins. This is such a terrible loss. I know all of your family is heartbroken. I wish I had some wise words to comfort you. I hope you will find some small comfort in knowing you are in the thoughts of so many whose lives you have touched.
((HUGS))
Carol (MOM20)

laulausmamma said...

Kathy - thinking of you these past couple of days as your family and friends gather to remember Eric's passing. Hoping and praying that you feel the love and support from everyone who cares so much for you all. ((HUGS)
Susan - laulausamma

j said...

so very, very sorry for your loss mom


j

Karen (keltik) said...

My heart is broken in a million pieces. All my love and thoughts are with your family.

Marsha said...

Kathy, I was away and didn't know. My heart is broken. You and Eric have always been an example for me - you can fight. you can live, you can survive. What happened? Why all of a sudden? Eric is my hero, my role model, and now my angel. I love you and Eric so much, we've been through so much together. There are no words to describe my sorrow. Love always, Marsha