My brother, Michael

Michael Krutsinger

1964-2011

At the young age of 47, my brother, Mike, went home to be with the Lord. He spent a year battling AML. He under went a stem cell transplant in February of 2011. On his 100 day check up the cancer was back. In August 2011, they found an unmatched bone marrow donor from out of the country. On October 21, 2011, the doctors told him that the cancer had once again returned and that he would have 2 to 6 weeks to live. They told him to go home and enjoy what time he had left.

On Friday, October 28, 2011, our family gathered to spend the weekend with Mike. My other two brothers and their families, mom and dad, and an aunt and uncle spent precious time with him. On Saturday night, some of his close friends gathered at a hotel for a pizza party. He was in a lot of pain, but the thought of having his friends together spurred him on to come out for even just a short time.

On Sunday, October 30, 2011, we gathered in his home to say good-bye. Living so far away, I knew I would not get back down to see him again. What a bitter sweet weekend we had together. The tears flowed freely that day. Driving back home, I got a text from my other brother telling me that they had called Hospice to the house. They said that if Mike made it through the night they would admit him in the morning.

We got home at 11:15 pm, totally exhausted from the long drive we went straight to bed. I woke at 2 am thinking I heard the phone ring. I got out of bed and checked the caller ID. I called my brother back. He told me that Mike had passed away at 1:15 am. 

I was saddened to know that I would no longer see my brother again on this earth. I was happy to know that he was safe in the arms of the Lord and no longer in pain.

I spent the last week with my parents and brothers planning a time of visitation and a memorial service for Mike. What a precious time we had together. Mike had picked out the songs that he wanted played at his funeral. Friday night we were warmed by the outpouring of sympathy so many people gave us. Mike was well liked by so many people.

Mike will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews. He was their favorite uncle.

I was able to be a caregiver for Mike twice during this year. I think we grew closer than we had been in years past. I will treasure in my heart the time I was able to spend with him. He was the first brother to come into my life and the first to leave it. There is a hole in my life now. A link in our family chain has been broken. But we will put that chain back together when we all get to heaven.