Messed up

Yesterday a new Huffman came into the world with the birth of my grandson. I joked on Twitter:

 

Happy times. I was going to Idaho to spend time with my Dad for Father’s Day and share pictures, etc.

I got a call from my brother Doug this morning. His son, Brad, died in his sleep last night. He was 22 years old.

Brad
Brad Huffman with his nephew Jared.

He didn’t smoke, drink, or do drugs. No known health issues.

This is really messed up. This isn’t the way things are “supposed” to happen. He just finished college. He had a good job. He was considering taking over the farm when Doug and Gary retired.

As Barb L. pointed out when I talked to her about it, “It’s so terrible, one Huffman enters the world and another leaves.”

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15 thoughts on “Messed up

  1. OMG Joe, what a terrible coincidence. On the very same day of great joy is also brought of great sadness. Who would think of such a incident like that happening to Brad without any type of health issues or warnings. You do hear of people with sudden death for no apparent reasons but it is so very rare. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Doug and all of the families affected by this tragic loss. Please pass along my condolences to your brother and his family for me. Thank you,Bruce

  2. Words are such thin comfort at a time like this, but know you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.

  3. I have many thoughts, but few words that could truly express them… I’m sorry to hear of this untimely passing Joe. Keeping you and your (extended) family in my thoughts…

  4. Rarely are the yin and yang of existence so starkly place. Condolences and congratulations. May all concerned recover as best they can, and move forward to better times.

  5. Joe,
    Sympathies and congratulations from Connecticut. While it is always a great day to bring a new life into this world, it is such a terrible thing to lose one, especially one so young. A miracle mixed with something so terrible, I don’t think words exist to describe it.

    -Rich Burgess

  6. Know how y’all feel. One of my nephews came into the world 12 hours after my father-in-law died. You and yours are in our prayers.

  7. If not, we should be related due to interests. 4 sons and 2 daughters with 3 sons and 7 daughters with 4 sons and 7 daughters with 4 sons and 2 daughters. I’m senior of the 4 generations I described. Husbands and wives have been lost recently but not young adults. This Ohio branch regrets your loss and celebrates your grandson’s birth.

  8. So much joy and sorrow, all in one day. It doesn’t seem fair that it couldn’t be spaced out a bit.

    Congrats on the grandson.

    Your nephew probably had an undiagnosed heart problem because that is typically what causes sudden death in younger people.

  9. On Flag Day, no less.

    Raging against fate is not rational, but none of us are equipped to handle this kind of day, so a little rage is okay, I guess. When the rage is over, go hold your grandson, and let the good karma wash away the bad.

    I feel this, Joe. It could be me in your shoes. You WILL get through it.

    BTW, what gun are you giving to Proud Dad to hold for the boy and instruct him in it’s use?

  10. I have sat here for 5 minutes trying to think of something appropriate to say beside “my condolences” and just don’t have the words. Cherish who you have for as long as you have them. You and yours are in my thoughts.

  11. I became a great uncle for the second time last week.
    But no one in our family had to leave that day, or that week.
    So sorry to hear about the loss in your family.

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  13. My son and my wifes grandfather, for whom my son is named, were born and died within 24 hours of each other. Its a stark contrast that no words can describe.

    Congratulations on the grandchild, and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers since no words can possibly alleviate the ache that comes with such a loss.

  14. You and your family and friends have my deepest condolences on your loss. I can only say that there are others out here in the world who have felt pain similar to yours, but we can never say that we understand what you are going through. We all react to tragedy in a different and unique manner. If you need anything or are in Northern Illinois in the future, email me and let me know.

    A Reader Of Yours,

    Octothorpe

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