Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Karen, and being kind

45 Responses

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  • Sacha,

    Thank you.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Robert Fox,

    Sorry to hear about your loss Russell. A very touching to tribute to your sister who sounds like she was a lovely, warm person who will obviously be hugely missed. Best of wishes for the festive period.

    Since Nov 2006 • 114 posts Report Reply

  • BenWilson,

    I was sorry to hear about Karen, and glad that time has helped you get some words down. Thanks for sharing this, and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report Reply

  • Jackie Clark,

    Oh darling heart. When I see you soon, you know there will be vast hugs and much love from me to you. In the meantime, enjoy your mum, and remember Karen with love (and tears are good too. "Tears are love" I would tell Carol).

    Mt Eden, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 3136 posts Report Reply

  • Robyn Gallagher,

    What a spunky lady! Thank you for sharing this with us, and big Christmas love to you all.

    Since Nov 2006 • 1946 posts Report Reply

  • JacksonP,

    Thanks Russell. This is a time for remembering the empty spaces at the table. We have a few of our own, as I'm sure many here do.

    I'm so pleased to be part of the goodness that is Public Address, and contribute my little bit.

    Jackie, what you started is a wonderful thing. Long may it continue.

    Arohanui one and all.

    Auckland • Since Mar 2011 • 2450 posts Report Reply

  • James Robb,

    Thanks for sharing this, Russell.

    Auckland • Since Dec 2013 • 3 posts Report Reply

  • Isabel Hitchings,

    Arohanui to you and your family, Russell.

    Christchurch • Since Jul 2007 • 719 posts Report Reply

  • John Morrison,

    Great article and sister Russell. I can imagine how hard it will be without her when you celebrate Christmas with your mum for the first time.
    As far as I'm concerned 2013 has been a real b**ch of a year, too many deaths of close friends and most dearest, my brother, who was my only close family member I had left. Thank God I still have my wife and her family.

    Cromwell • Since Nov 2006 • 85 posts Report Reply

  • Jason Kemp,

    Thanks for sharing Russell - families are so important.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 368 posts Report Reply

  • Mike O'Connell,

    Lovely, heartfelt story Russell. What a lovely sister you have.

    Christchurch • Since Dec 2006 • 385 posts Report Reply

  • Nora Leggs,

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    For you Russell. And for everyone whose Christmas time is coloured by pain, loss, grief and heartache. It's not always the easiest time.

    Auckland • Since Dec 2011 • 2700 posts Report Reply

  • Rebecca Williams,

    Thank you for sharing that Russell and my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your lovely sister. Today I'm remembering my little boy Jude who died before he was born on Christmas Eve.

    It's definitely a mark if the integrity and respect inherent in this community that I post here at all ( not often :)

    Merry Christmas everyone!

    Auckland • Since Mar 2007 • 120 posts Report Reply

  • TheotherSimonYoung,

    Thank you Russell. A timely reminder to be kind. Hope it is a special holiday for you and your family.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 2 posts Report Reply

  • wendyf,

    Thank you for sharing, Russell, and so warmly. And thank you to all who share here. I don't often post, but believe me - this place has done, and still does, much to remind me that there are Good People out there.

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 88 posts Report Reply

  • John Holley,

    Thanks Russell for sharing with us - over the years we have, become, I think, a bit of an extended whanau, because of you honesty and openess. - and this exemplifies why you have our support and loyalty.

    Kia Kaha

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 143 posts Report Reply

  • Tony Siu,

    I lost a friend this year as well as starting a new job - I had a rough year. Hugs* to all.

    Auckland • Since Mar 2008 • 82 posts Report Reply

  • Amberleigh Jack,

    Russell, thank you for sharing. Difficult to do, I'm sure, but a wonderful tribute. I'll raise a glass for you and your family and think of you tomorrow. They say the first is the hardest, but I think they'll all be difficult. Made only slightly less so by that final thought of yours. X

    Auckland • Since Nov 2012 • 21 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Amberleigh Jack,

    Amberleigh, the funny thing is that this year I encouraged you to do something I hadn't yet been able to do myself. And then Mum turned up yesterday with that photograph and I knew it was time. I'll be thinking of you and your mum tomorrow too. x

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Kumara Republic,

    Condolences. My eldest sister succumbed to a brain haemorrhage a little over 6 years ago now. The blow was softened by the fact that we knew it would happen eventually.

    The southernmost capital … • Since Nov 2006 • 5446 posts Report Reply

  • Emma Hart, in reply to Amberleigh Jack,

    They say the first is the hardest, but I think they’ll all be difficult.

    I'm up to number three now, and talking to my boss/friend today, who is going through her first without her Dad.

    My experience is that the first is worst, by miles. They get easier, but the sense of something missing never quite goes away.

    Russell, your sister was obviously Quite Something, and she looks like one of those somethings was "a bunch of fun". We are lucky to have had such people in our lives, for however long.

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 4651 posts Report Reply

  • nzlemming,

    Thank you, Russell. The first few Xmases after Dad died were hard, and there's still a gap in proceedings, but it's got easier to bear.

    Waikanae • Since Nov 2006 • 2937 posts Report Reply

  • Lilith __,

    Russell, thank you for sharing this with us. Karen sounds amazing. And she would be, if she's anything like you. So sorry for your loss. Love and big hugs.

    Dunedin • Since Jul 2010 • 3895 posts Report Reply

  • Raymond A Francis,

    It's not easy for most N Z men to share these sort of feelings, so once again thank you for some nice writing, unlike some/most bloggers you are a journalist and it shows

    45' South • Since Nov 2006 • 578 posts Report Reply

  • Ross McA.,

    Thanks Russell and sorry to hear that. I know from personal experience that it's not easy. I lost my younger sister a few years ago to lung cancer (she never smoked). You have a gift for writing and when I read your story it bought tears to my eyes.

    Since Mar 2010 • 51 posts Report Reply

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