Originally Posted by Tom_PM

One of my older brothers died last Tuesday on the operating table. He kept his condition a secret from the rest of the family and it was a stunning shock to us all. He managed some apartments near Cornell University in addition to other work.

Some know I was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago with heart problems. He was one of only a couple of people I spoke with during my week stay and the only family member. We spoke about possibly moving in together to help with growing medical expenses. He never once mentioned himself and when I asked him if he was doing OK he shrugged it off. He was barely into his 50's.

This year why don't you contact a relative you haven't seen in a while and go ahead and pry a little bit.