For Wayne by cjwhite

For Wayne

In 1982, my cousin Wayne, was hit by a car while riding his bicycle. His injuries were serious. He was in a coma for two weeks and he lost the use of his legs. He was only 22 years old.

For almost 30 years, he lived in nursing homes. Some people might have become bitter or felt sorry for themselves. Wayne wasn't like that. He rolled around the nursing home in his wheel chair laughing and joking with the residents. He always spoke to everyone, even if they weren't able to respond.

We grew up together. Our houses were side by side. I don't have any siblings. Wayne was more like a brother to me than a cousin.

We spoke on the phone every night at least once and sometimes twice, until May 11. He was anemic and they couldn't find matching blood for him. His medications kept him asleep most of the time.

This past Saturday, he had to go into the hospital. He was responsive at first, but his health declined quickly.

I was with him all day Sunday. When I was leaving, my Mom told him to tell me good bye. We weren't sure if he could hear us, but he told me bye. That was the last word I heard him speak.

On Monday, he rallied for a short time and then his vitals went down quickly. They put him in critical care, but it was time for him to leave us and be with God. He left us at 10:30 last night.

We were so lucky to have him with us as long as we did, with his health problems. He turned 50 last September.

Wayne was a ray of sunshine in my life and I'm going to miss him so much.
Carolyn, I am so sorry for your loss, but what a blessing to have had him for those extra 30 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.. And what a lovely Tribute to your cousin.
May 23rd, 2012  
I'm so sorry, Carolyn. He sounds like he was an amazing man.

I hope you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. You are in my prayers.
May 23rd, 2012  
So sorry for your loss!!
May 23rd, 2012  
Carolyn, I am very sorry for your loss. Sunflowers are beautiful and a fitting tribute of warmth and nourishment.
May 23rd, 2012  
so sorry carolyn, i don't know why these things happen, sending you an extra big hug.
May 23rd, 2012  
Sorry for your loss, this is a beautiful shot and a lovely tribute.
May 23rd, 2012  
I'm so sorry for your loss, Carolyn This is a beautiful photo to go with a beautiful tribute to Wayne. I'm praying that you will feel God's perfect peace as He comforts you during this time.
May 23rd, 2012  
A lovely tribute and flower for a very special person. I am so sorry.
May 23rd, 2012  
I, too, am sorry for your loss. It seems you and Wayne were good for each other. Beautiful capture of this beautiful flower.
May 23rd, 2012  
Carolyn, Wayne sounds like he was a special person, and one who was used to touch the lives of those around him. How special is it to be used in such a way, and for that length of time. Remembering you in prayer.
May 23rd, 2012  
Lovely shot and such a nice tribute to Wayne. I am sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you.
May 23rd, 2012  
He sounds like he was a great person. Very nice tribute to him
May 23rd, 2012  
Beautiful flower for Wayne. Prayers for you and your family at this time of loss.
May 23rd, 2012  
Oh Carolyn I am truly sorry to hear of your loss but this is a lovely tribute to Wayne. Thinking of you during this sad time.
May 23rd, 2012  
So sorry for the loss of your beloved cousin, Carolyn. This is a beautiful tribute for him. My thoughts are with you at this sad time in your life.
May 23rd, 2012  
Fav....for you and your cousin. I have tears in my eyes as I look at that singular flower. Beautiful. God Bless.
May 23rd, 2012  
So sorry for your loss Carolyn, what a lovely tribute to someone you held so dear!
May 23rd, 2012  
A beautiful tribute… may he RIP
May 23rd, 2012  
great tribute....I'm very sorry for you loss...I know what its like to lose someone very close to you....beautiful shot! fav! I will keep your family in my prayers!
May 23rd, 2012  
So very sorry, Carolyn ... what a special relationship that you two had. That was a gift to treasure. My prayers and hugs.
May 23rd, 2012  
What a simple and beautiful picture for a tribute to your cousin. We think we have troubles until you meet someone like Wayne, then you realize that yours are not that bad. Lord keep him in your arms.
May 23rd, 2012  
Heartfelt commiserations. Remember the good times.
May 23rd, 2012  
((((((((((((((((big hugs))))))))))))))))) so very sorry for your loss Carolyn, he sounds like a wonderful person to have had in your life. Lovely tribute.
May 23rd, 2012  
oh i am so sorry for your loss Carolyn, i was truly fighting back my tears reading your story. Love and hugs to you and your family x
May 23rd, 2012  
Oh I'm so sorry to hear that your very brave cousin has passed away and my heart goes out to you all. He must have been a wonderful person and it is so nice to have such fond memories of him. This is a beautiful tribute to him and the focus is absolutely perfect - fav
May 23rd, 2012  
I am so sorry for your loss, Carolyn. He must have been a special person full of spirit to go through all that ordeal. My heart is with you at this delicate time. May he rest in peace.
May 23rd, 2012  
I'm so very sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man.
May 23rd, 2012  
Carolyn, my deepest sympathies. What a wonderful tribute to Wayne. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
May 23rd, 2012  
Oh, Carolyn, I'm so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. A lovely tribute shot.
May 23rd, 2012  
This shot of the "black eyed Susan" is perfect to show the light your cousin was and will continue in your life! So very sorry for your loss!
May 23rd, 2012  
Carolyn, I am so so sorry to hear of your cousin's passing. Your story of this brave man was so touching and heartwarming. This is a beautiful tribute to him. My deepest sympathies are with you at this time and you're all in my prayers.
May 23rd, 2012  
So sorry for your loss of one of the great friends in your life. Beautiful tribute to him.
May 23rd, 2012  
I am so sorry for your loss, Carolyn. Keep this ray of sunshine in your hart...
May 23rd, 2012  
Mama that was a beautiful tribute to Wayne.
May 23rd, 2012  
My condolences in your loss. You were lucky to have one another and you will always remember him. Your picture is the most beautiful tribute to him!
May 23rd, 2012  
My condolences and prayers for you and your family. What a moving story. He sure was a gift from God and now he can live forever with Him!
May 23rd, 2012  
Sorry for your loss .. Lovely flower shot
May 23rd, 2012  
So sorry for your loss,Carolyn,my thoughts are with you at this sad time.Your flower shot is a lovely tribute!
May 23rd, 2012  
What a beautiful tribute Carolyn I am so sorry for your loss. He obviously was an amazing person. I trust that a little part of him will live on in all of the people who knew him
May 23rd, 2012  
So very sorry for your loss .... What a beautiful tribute to him he would have liked to have been every bodies sunflower and it sounds like he was
May 23rd, 2012  
Lyn
What an amazing tribute you've written and shared with us. Please know that we hold you close in our hearts as you move through this sadness.
May 24th, 2012  
Oh, Carolyn, what a blessing he was in your life. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my prayers.
May 24th, 2012  
A beautiful tribute to Wayne...so sorry but perhaps it will comfort you to know that one day you will surely meet again.
May 24th, 2012  
Carolyn, I am sat hear with tears in my eyes at your story of Wayne's life. You have written a very moving tribute to Wayne, which clearly tells all of your deep love for him. I am desperately sad for you, Wayne and your whole family. Take care, and be strong.
May 24th, 2012  
I'm so sorry for your loss. this speaks so highly of your relationship with him. He's at peace.
May 25th, 2012  
Sorry to hear about your cousin, very moving tribute. Prayers to you and his family.
May 25th, 2012  
Beautiful tribute & capture! I'm so very sorry for your loss.
May 25th, 2012  
My very deepest condolences. People with handicaps, touch so many lives. I had Natalie down to Tampa Gen last Thursday for a test and took her into ICU., It was like homecoming, all the nurses gathered round to talk to her. She got a big ole smile on her face and then you could see the thought cross her mind and she looked at me. "I'm not staying her am I". You will be in my prayers, and we do have the peace that we will see our loved ones again, in a much better place, thank you Lord
May 25th, 2012  
Carolyn, I am so sorry for the loss of your cousin. This is a lovely tribute photo for him. I will keep you and your family in my prayers!
May 25th, 2012  
Carolyn, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Much too young to have been taken already.
May 25th, 2012  
['] So sorry.
Giving thanks for a brave and beautiful person who will live on in your heart.
May 25th, 2012  
['] Photos speak louder
May 25th, 2012  
So very sorry for your loss.
May 26th, 2012  
I'm so verry sorry to hear of your cousin's passing. This "ray of sunshine" photo is a beautiful tribute.
May 26th, 2012  
Thank you for sharing this personal story with us.It reminds me that life is a gift and always make the best out of it . If you have bad times remember there a a lot of people having worse and live it with a smile andcourage.
My thoughts and prays are with you and all the ones you love
May 26th, 2012  
That is so sad Carolyn, my thoughts are with you. Grief is such an overwhelming emotion, I hope you can find solace. This flower is a beautiful tribute. ;/)
May 28th, 2012  
Oh Carolyn, I'm so sorry for your loss. My daughter lost a young friend last week. He'd had 2 bouts with cancer in his short 25 years. Like your cousin he was an inspiration because he always had the biggest grin on his face. I will always remember him that way and the positive way he led his life. I'm sure you will remember Wayne the same way.
May 29th, 2012  
Oh, Carolyn.....so sorry to hear of your emotional pain with this. But the good thing is, he is not in pain. So that is the best. He sounds like a wonderful and positive person!
May 29th, 2012  
Carolyn, I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish you all the best through this difficult time.
May 30th, 2012  
This is so beautiful and I'm so sad for your loss. Life can be so very hard, hoping your faith, friends and family bring you comfort.
May 30th, 2012  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.