Wednesday, July 06, 2016

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Award-Winning Copy-Editing Brother


The day my brother Bill called last month to tell me he has (bad) cancer ranks as the worst day of my life so far. To say that my entire family is heartbroken and terrified would put understatement to shame. But while we've been through a lot in recent years, we do not plan to take this lying down. After a quick surprise visit to see him over Fourth of July weekend, I'm heading back down to Washington tomorrow to join the entire family -- en route now from Phoenix -- to be by Bill's side as he begins his fight. As is always his style, he's taking the news more rationally and maturely than the rest of us put together. Can't even begin to stress how lucky I am to have Bill as my big brother, wherever we go from here. xo


Bill went public with his battle today and is more my hero than even before.

14 comments:

Stephen said...

I am sorry to hear about your brothers illness. Sending good thoughts and love.

Editor said...

Ken,

I'm sending good thoughts to your brother Bill & entire family during what must be a stressful and scary time.

Shane

David said...

Gallows humor indeed. But still, made me weep. I will send any good thought I can, even though I'm a complete stranger.

Tell your brother, your family, that many, many unknown people will be hoping for a good outcome. Peace.

dwieboldt@gmail.com said...

Best of luck to you and your big bro.

Humberto said...

And just like that, a powerful reason why you blog, your brother's letter is truly inspirational, thanks for sharing and hang in there, sending you a big hug.

edmcan said...

oh Kenneth. Of course, my thoughts and hopes are with your brother and family at this time. He is a brave man and I understand your admiration and love. My strength, my being is there when you need it. You, your brother and family are never alone.

James Dwight Williamson said...

So send me an email with specific details, Kenny. When you get time , as I know a few things about how evil cancer is! xoxoxo

Unknown said...

Good luck and healthy wishes for your big brother and family

Larry said...

I am so sorry to hear about this, Kenneth. I'm a huge fan of your brother's (nearly as much as I am of you) and this made me sad for all of you. But I hope the strength all of you will give him--as well as the strength of all of those who admire his work--will buoy him through this battle successfully.

Patrick said...

I'm very sad to read your brother's letter, Kenneth. Although I don't believe that we ever met, we were longtime neighbors on South Carolina Ave. until I moved away a little less than 5 years ago. I also have been a follower of his WaPo chat on English usage and contributed a few questions to it. I wish him the best in fighting this and to you and your family in providing him support.

David H. said...

I am so sorry to hear about Bill having cancer. I hope that he beats it and lives a very long, and very healthy life. When I read the article, it seems to me that he is such a really cool guy. If I had a sibling, I wish he or she would be just as great as him.

I send you, Bill, and your family good luck, kisses, hugs, my thoughts and prayers.

David

Robert H said...

Very sorry to hear this. Keep him close. I lost my only (younger) brother years ago and still think of him daily. He'll need your help to fight this.

Blobby said...

Sorry about Bill's situation. Even bad kinds of cancer can be cured, or at least treated that go into long term remission. I am such a case.

Erik said...

Sending wonderful thoughts to Bill and your entire family!