My cousin Michael
Hasty called late morning and said my uncle Bobby and his wife Myrtle both died last night. It’s
been a weird day. Mother has been upset, but not crying too much. I talked to
every single one of my Hasty cousins today except Robin, and Mother spoke to
her. We are all sad. At least they didn’t have to live without the other one,
though, and that is a blessing.
The kids have been angels since we found out the news. I am amazed at how well they have handled things. I know seeing me and Mother crying was pretty sobering. I told Michael when I collected myself that we are going to have Christmas, and try to be as normal as possible.
In the face of this sadness, all issues with my kids [from yesterday] seem trivial. [I was just kidding about drinking champagne tomorrow. Won't happen. I did give Mother a glass of sherry this afternoon though and I think it was the right thing to do.]
Bobby was 7 years older than Mother, and often when both my grandparents were working, he took care of Mother and her other brother Don. He was a very parental figure. So his loss is that much harder for her. She is glad that the last time she spoke to Bobby and Myrtle, the last words spoken were "I love you." It's so important to say those words. Don't hold back.
Here’s
an email I sent to folks who I thought should know:
We've
had an awful shock today. I got a call this morning from my cousins' son
Michael Hasty in Myrtle Beach, saying his grandfather had died. His grandfather
was my uncle, Bobby Hasty. He was Mother's oldest brother.
Bobby has had Parkinson's Disease for several years. He developed pneumonia
recently and was hospitalized, but went home last week. Last night at 6:30 his
wife, Myrtle, had a heart attack and died. Bobby died about two hours later.
They had been married for more than 60 years, and had known each other since
childhood. Theirs was the kind of amazing and beautiful marriage that few
people are privileged to have, or even witness. Neither would have lived long
without the other, so it's a blessing they are both together in heaven.
Mother is upset, of course. The kids and I are just sad. I have cried a bit. I
will cry more. I will be here for Mother and I pray she will weather this using
her faith to keep her spirits up. Bobby and Myrtle would want her to celebrate
her birthday next week. They'd want her to enjoy her life and her family, and
not give up.
Please send prayers our way. We don't need anything material, but prayers and
good thoughts our way will be a blessing. Mother is not up to attending the
double funeral Friday but we will get down there sometime soon.
I attach a photo of Mom and Bobby and Myrtle from a few years ago, and a photo
of Bobby and Michael taken last year, on Mike's first trip to the beach. He and
Bobby shared a birthday, July 19th.
Here are Myrtle, Bobby, and Mother, taken a couple of years ago:
Here's a photo of Mother and Bobby [bearded] and Don, from about 2003:
