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3.04.2011

Friday Flashback

This is one of my very favourite family pictures, taken in Scotland circa 1967.
from l to r: Duncan, Cat, Sarah, Angus
My lovely brother Angus died earlier this week after a valiant fourteen month battle with pancreatic cancer.  We gathered at his hospital in London two weeks ago and I am profoundly grateful that we had the opportunity to be together as a family one last time and say our good-byes.  Angus' spirit was still strong and he was mostly just concerned about us and that we shouldn't be sad. 

I am truly thankful to have grown up with Angus; protective and sometimes annoying (as an older brother can be) but always loving, he was an energetic, larger than life personality who was adored by everyone!  My parents, Duncan, Sarah and myself have lost a jewel and we are desolate, Angus will be missed more than words can say.

42 comments:

  1. Oh, Cat, my sincere condolences in the loss of your dear brother Angus. The picture of all four of you is wonderful and your tribute to him is beautiful. Hold fast to your memories and the knowledge that Angus is surely still with you in spirit.

    Simba's Mom

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  2. Oh goodness I am so very sorry about your brother. That is just too sad. We are certainly sending you tons of huge hugs. That must have been so hard. Glad all the kitties gave you such a great home coming. Please remember that we are thinking about you in your sadness. Take care.

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  3. Ohhhh, We are so Sad and Sorry to hear about your brother.
    What Lovely Memories you have of your brother and what a Wonderful Tribute to him.
    We are Purraying for Angus and You in your time of Sadness~
    Purrrz & Kissez ~

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  4. Ohhh nooo Cat, I am so, so sorry to hear this sad news about your brother Angus. I myself have lost a brother, as well as both parents, so I know how much you are grieving. I am sending my strongest prayers to you, your parents, Duncan and Sarah to help you through this heartbreaking time in your lives.
    Hugs,
    Jan

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  5. That is a lovely picture - one I'm sure will be treasured forever. I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. I cannot imagine what you must be going through. I have one brother, and I can't think of anyone in the world I love more than him. My most sincerely condolences to you and your entire family during this heartbreaking time.

    jana

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  6. Dear Cat, Me and my mom are so sorry for your loss. I send warm purrs to you with big hug and kisses. Please accept our condolences.
    xxx

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  7. Cat, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I'm so, so very sorry for your loss and grief. Please know I'm keeping you all in my prayers and wishing you Blessings and Peace.

    -Kim

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  8. So sorry for your loss our prayers and purrs - go out to you.

    Hugs,
    Penny


    Purrs,
    Genghis

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  9. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and send my condolences to your family.

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  10. Dear Cat,
    I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. I'm glad you and your family were able to have some time with him in the hospital and give your support.
    My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this very sad time.
    With love and sympathy, Pat and the kitties

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  11. I am so sorry to hear the new about your brother. I send you many purrs and hugs.

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  12. So sorry to hear this very sad news and send love and purrs . HUgs GJ x

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  13. Dear Cat
    I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved big brother. I will keep you in my prayers and when I light my candle tonight I will say a prayer in Angus name.

    xoxoxxo
    {hugs}

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  14. (((((cat))))) I am so deeply saddened by this news and so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers that God will give you and yours the strength to get through this most difficult time.
    You are in my heart and in my thoughts.
    xoxoxo

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  15. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers of peace and comfort to you and your family. Hugs, purrs, and tail wags from all of us-

    Cara and "crew"

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  16. We are so sorry for the loss of your brother. We send you comforting purrs, headbutts and hugs.

    Wally, Ernie, Zoey & mom Sue

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  17. So sorry to hear about your brother, Cat. Our purrs and hugs to you and your family.

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  18. Cat I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sending your family prayers and warm thoughts

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  19. I am truly sorry and saddened about Angus. My sweet brother Paul passed away at the end of last July, so I feel your pain-- and I send loving hugs and wishes for peace for you and the family.

    Warm hugs and blessings, my friend.

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  20. I am so very sorry about your brother. You and your family are in my purrs and in my human's thoughts.

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  21. That is a beautiful picture, thank you for sharing it with us! I'm so very sorry to hear about your brother, and send you and your family my deepest condolences. Sending lots of love and purrs your way.

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  22. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sending my hugs to you and Fin is sending her purrs.

    Meg

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  23. So so sorry
    to hear the bad news from your brother :(
    I send you many hugs and positive power !!!!!
    Be strong .....
    I know it will be not easy
    but your other brother and sister and parents need you also !!!!

    Hugs and try to relax this weekend

    Kareltje =^.^= ♥ Betsie >^.^<
    Anya :)

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  24. The right words never seem to be easy to find in times of loss. I am truly sorry to hear the news. The smallest solace is the knowledge you had time to share your thoughts while he was still here. And now you've shared a slice of your life with us. (On that note...as a wee one you looked like you had an impish streak based on that engaging smile!)

    Manon

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  25. Mum and I are so sorry to hear about Angus. It's good that you got to see him recently.

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  26. Dear Cat - we are very sorry to hear about your brother Angus. Scott also sends his condolences. Oliver and Ruby XXXXX

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  27. Oh Catrina! I am so very sorry for your loss. Angus sounds like a wonderful person, especially to be concerned about all of you at such a time. I hope that they were able to manage his physical pain until he passed.

    It was a real blessing that you were all able to see Angus and gather round him. I'm sure your collective love eased the process immensely.

    Allow yourself to grieve. It's something you never get over, but you must get through. Angus will always be with you in spirit, and in your memories. I hope that he will bring you some comfort.

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  28. Cat, I am so sorry to read the news of the loss of your brother Angus. The fact that you all got to be together as family surrounding him with your love is a wonderful thing. I'll be keeping you all in my prayers in the weeks to come as you grieve.

    Hugs
    Dee
    xxx

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  29. We are so sorry to hear this Cat but we are so pleased you got to see him one last time. We know you will miss him very much but know that he is resting peacefully and free from pain. Words can never fill the hole that you feel in your life but in time you will look back on all the fun times you had and all the happy times.
    luv Sue (hannah & Lucy's mum) xx

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  30. We are so sorry to hear of your loss Cat. We are joining paws in a purr circle and sending lots of love your way. How lovely that your whole family could gather to be together to support each other and be there to say your goodbyes.

    Thank you for sharing the wonderful family photograph.

    Purrs,

    Cory and family

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  31. Cat, I am so sorry for the tragic loss of your precious brother, Angus; I understand your pain as my 37 year old brother, Rob (15 months older than me), died from liver cancer almost 9 years ago and I still "talk" to him everyday and know he is with me, watching over me, my babies and my parents...Take care of yourself, sweet friend...J

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  32. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  33. Cat, I am so sorry for your loss of your brother, Angus. You all gathered as a family, it is wonderful. And the family photo is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us.
    My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  34. This is a lovely picture and it's great that you have such a precious memory forever. Our condolences for your loss.

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  35. Oh Cat!! We are so sorry for your loss and we love the picture of you all as kids!! We are so glad you got to be with him!!
    (((((((HUGSSSSSS))))))) from your TX furiends,

    Hi Ben!!! Wanna come over and play on my porch?
    Clemmie

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  36. Our deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing that photo. It's a good one. We pray that your brother is watching you, now free from pain.

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  37. Dearest Cat,
    I join everyone in deep condolences. I love the picture, and I hope you have it framed somewhere in your home. Your memories and the thread of love that never ends no matter the circumstances will carry you.
    And to Angus - fly free.

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  38. I am very sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  39. I can't tell you how sad I was to read this post ~ I'm sorry I've only just found it. I so understand what you are going through ~ I have lost so many dear friends to cancer, and my beloved father too. Please accept my most sincere condolances and heartfelt understanding. Cancer is a truly horrible disease.
    I am so glad you got to be reunited as a family and your dear brother was able to say goodbye to you all. I am so very sorry.

    Jan xx

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  40. Dear Catrina,

    It is great to see you as a child and such photographs are truly precious. Thank you for sharing.

    Warmest regards,
    Ms K and E

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  41. Oh Cat, I am behind in visiting and just learned of your brother's passing. He truly must have been a valiant warrior to battle this. And he would smile at your tribute for him and your loving memories.

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  42. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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Meows for the boys :-)