Patrice, Lindsay and I were very excited about our trip to England and Ireland due to begin June 27th. You might recall that I mentioned this trip in one of my posts. Some have asked what happened? What happened was that I took a different kind of a trip. A trip I didn’t want to take.
In mid May, while we were on BBQ/National Park tour, my big brother Stephen started to have some difficulty with his vision and with walking. He was also on a trip and soon after returning home, he went for an evaluation. After numerous tests it was determined he had Creutzfeldt Jakob disease. This is a very rare illness (300 cases per year in the United States) and is invariably fatal without any known treatment. I saw Stephen on June 25th and we hugged and cried. On June 26th he was in a near comatose state. I told him that I would come see him as soon as I got back from my trip. We left the next day and although it was fun being with Patrice and Lindsay my thoughts were constantly back home with Stephen and the family.
On July 7th I was notified that Stephen had died. I made the necessary plans to return home and insisted that Patrice stay with Lindsay to finish the last few days of our trip.
The doctors said this was a one in a million case. Stephen had a disease that occurs to only one in every million people.
As a medical student I’d heard of Creutzfeldt Jakob disease but of course I’d never seen it. I did know that no treatment existed and it was invariably fatal.
I refused to believe the doctor’s diagnosis. Not Stephen. That couldn’t be. Unfortunately it soon became clear that the doctors were right. Early on when they were just getting started with their evaluation I spoke with the doctors about their findings. After that I called Stephen. He asked what the doctors told me and I said that they said “he should have been better to his little brother when they were growing up”. He chuckled and said they were right. Of course no one said that to me. It was just a little joke. Stephen wasn’t mean to me, not at all. Sure he did the usual childish things growing up but isn’t that what older brothers are for? Doesn’t it makes guys like me ready to face the world?
I remember growing up and just wanting to hang with my big brother and his friends. I wanted to be as tall as him but that never happened. I wanted to be as good an athlete but that wasn’t going to happen either. But most of all I always wanted to be able to carve the Thanksgiving turkey the way he did. Unfortunately I never could do it as well as him either.
As a kid, I remember Stephen helping me learn how to ride a bike. He would also take me to sporting events. Our dad hated baseball so Stephen would take me to a game. Once he took me down to the Coliseum to get Dodger autographs.
As adults I recall starting med school in September 1971 and getting a call a short time after from my mother telling me that Stephen was getting married. In January 1972 Stephen and Fayla were married. Forty four years later I think time has proven that to have been a wise decision. I was Stephen’s best man at his wedding and 10 years later he was mine. Stephen and Fayla have two lovely daughters and I was always welcome at their home. He was a great father to those girls. In 2013 his granddaughter Alexis was born. She made him a new man. Watching him around the baby was always a joy.
Stephen had always been wonderful with kids. When we were younger we had loads of fun with our nieces, Annette and Mort’s daughters Stephanie and Leslie. They adored Stephen. My three kids came along much later but they too adored my big brother.
Stephen was very successful in business. He essentially taught himself what he needed to know.
Stephen was very kind, generous, thoughtful and very much loved by our entire family.
The last time I saw him I was about to leave the hospital and I said, “Lindsay asked me to give you a hug for her”. We then hugged. And we hugged. I didn’t want to let go for two reasons . One, it felt good and two, I didn’t want him to see that I was crying. When we stopped hugging I realized he was crying too.
The doctors were right about Stephen. He was one in a million. And I don’t mean his disease.
We buried Stephen on Sunday, July 1oth. This was a trip I definitely didn’t want to take. Thank you to all my friends and relatives who have been so very kind during this very difficult time.
From left to right: My sister Annette, Mama, Me, Stephen
So sorry to hear and so pleased you would share your thoughts. Your ability to genuinely share your feelings so eloquently is a gift to all of us who follow you and care. Prayers are with you. Mike
Your description of your brother Stephen was so heartfelt. Thank you for allowing me to get to know him just a bit through your eyes. My most sincere condolences. Lisa Lunzer
Quite an inspirational story. You have a way of working through a tragedy and retrieving some true gems of family ties and the power of brotherly love.
Memories of my childhood and watching my own sons grow up crossed my mind. I hope they are as close as you and Stephen will always be.
Will keep you all in my prayers.
What a thoughtful and elegant portrait of your brother. We are saddened by your loss and appreciate your sharing it with us. Our thoughts are with you and your families. Ginger and Don
We are so very sad and sorry. Losing loved ones is part of this ageing process, perhaps the hardest part. I spoke to my sister yesterday, but I am going to call her again this evening. I left my grandsons a few hours ago with no hugs and kissed because they didn’t want to get out of the pool. As soon as I send this I am going back. Your brother looks like a lovely man. Being you brother I am certain he was. Take care of each other.
Love,
Sandy and Marjorie
I sent a comment but as usual, I have no idea where it went. Marjorie and I are very saddened and sorry for your loss. Losing loved ones may be the hardest part of this aging process. I spoke with my sister yesterday and plan to call her again this evening. I left my grandsons a few hours ago without hugs and kisses since they didn’t want to get out of the pool. As soon as I send this I am going back for my kisses. Our thoughts are with you and Patrice. Take care of each other. Love, Marjorie & Sandy
On Mon, Jul 11, 2016 at 5:40 AM, Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings wrote:
> reissmd posted: “Patrice, Lindsay and I were very excited about our trip > to England and Ireland due to begin June 27th. You might recall that I > mentioned this trip in one of my posts. Some have asked what happened? > What happened was that I took a different kind of a tr” >
Sorry for your loss. I play golf with my brothers every Sunday but we never speak about our caring or love for each other. After reading your heartfelt post I’m going to start hugging them each Sunday and tell them how I feel. Thanks for reminding me what’s important in this short life of ours.
Thank you for sharing a beautiful and touching story about you and your brother, Stephen. He seemed like an extraordinary man who was a great big brother and a wonderful role model. Your words remind me that the number of days in our lives are uncertain so it is important to live each day to the fullest and to show and tell those in our lives how important they are to us.
Stephen snd I send our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Still stirring around your poignant post. While I suppose the shock and disbelief have worn off some, the pain must still be quite raw. So very sorry for your loss.
Mary
*”Truly precious, priceless things are often mined from deep, dark places.” * – Mary Lou Redding
On Mon, Jul 11, 2016 at 8:40 AM, Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings wrote:
> reissmd posted: “Patrice, Lindsay and I were very excited about our trip > to England and Ireland due to begin June 27th. You might recall that I > mentioned this trip in one of my posts. Some have asked what happened? > What happened was that I took a different kind of a tr” >
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 
Robert, we are so sorry to hear about Stephen. Please accept our condolences and hope Stephen is in a better place now.
Fred and Silvia
Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.
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I am so sorry my friend!!! You are in my thoughts. Thank you for sharing this story. My heartfelt condolences to you and your whole family! Love, Lisa
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Our thoughts and prayers to you, Robert. Thank you for sharing a special glimpse of the beautiful bond of brotherhood you and Stephen shared.
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You are so eloquent describing your loss. It is clear to see the value and importance of family in your life.
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So sorry to hear and so pleased you would share your thoughts. Your ability to genuinely share your feelings so eloquently is a gift to all of us who follow you and care. Prayers are with you. Mike
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Your description of your brother Stephen was so heartfelt. Thank you for allowing me to get to know him just a bit through your eyes. My most sincere condolences. Lisa Lunzer
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Quite an inspirational story. You have a way of working through a tragedy and retrieving some true gems of family ties and the power of brotherly love.
Memories of my childhood and watching my own sons grow up crossed my mind. I hope they are as close as you and Stephen will always be.
Will keep you all in my prayers.
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I am sorry to hear of the loss of your brother; I am sure your words would mean a lot to him. Bob
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So very sorry. Unfair!
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>
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I am so sorry to hear about your brother thoughts and prayers are with you JANE
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>
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I am sorry to hear your news, Robert. Thank you for sharing with us.
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Hi
I am saddened to read that you lost your brother. Take care and remember all the great times with him!😇
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>
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What a thoughtful and elegant portrait of your brother. We are saddened by your loss and appreciate your sharing it with us. Our thoughts are with you and your families. Ginger and Don
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are so very sad and sorry. Losing loved ones is part of this ageing process, perhaps the hardest part. I spoke to my sister yesterday, but I am going to call her again this evening. I left my grandsons a few hours ago with no hugs and kissed because they didn’t want to get out of the pool. As soon as I send this I am going back. Your brother looks like a lovely man. Being you brother I am certain he was. Take care of each other.
Love,
Sandy and Marjorie
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Dear Robert,
I sent a comment but as usual, I have no idea where it went. Marjorie and I are very saddened and sorry for your loss. Losing loved ones may be the hardest part of this aging process. I spoke with my sister yesterday and plan to call her again this evening. I left my grandsons a few hours ago without hugs and kisses since they didn’t want to get out of the pool. As soon as I send this I am going back for my kisses. Our thoughts are with you and Patrice. Take care of each other. Love, Marjorie & Sandy
On Mon, Jul 11, 2016 at 5:40 AM, Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings wrote:
> reissmd posted: “Patrice, Lindsay and I were very excited about our trip > to England and Ireland due to begin June 27th. You might recall that I > mentioned this trip in one of my posts. Some have asked what happened? > What happened was that I took a different kind of a tr” >
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry for your loss. I play golf with my brothers every Sunday but we never speak about our caring or love for each other. After reading your heartfelt post I’m going to start hugging them each Sunday and tell them how I feel. Thanks for reminding me what’s important in this short life of ours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing a beautiful and touching story about you and your brother, Stephen. He seemed like an extraordinary man who was a great big brother and a wonderful role model. Your words remind me that the number of days in our lives are uncertain so it is important to live each day to the fullest and to show and tell those in our lives how important they are to us.
Stephen snd I send our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Still stirring around your poignant post. While I suppose the shock and disbelief have worn off some, the pain must still be quite raw. So very sorry for your loss.
Mary
*”Truly precious, priceless things are often mined from deep, dark places.” * – Mary Lou Redding
On Mon, Jul 11, 2016 at 8:40 AM, Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings wrote:
> reissmd posted: “Patrice, Lindsay and I were very excited about our trip > to England and Ireland due to begin June 27th. You might recall that I > mentioned this trip in one of my posts. Some have asked what happened? > What happened was that I took a different kind of a tr” >
LikeLiked by 1 person