I guess this means I have to come out.

[progressoid]

Not out of the closet, but out from behind the anonymity of a user name on the internet. Something happened that I need to share and it means giving up some of that anonymity. I like you people and I think some of you would have liked someone I recently lost.

Last week I buried my brother. He was a great father, brother and son. He was a beloved science teacher. He was a Democrat (mostly - he admitted to voting for Nader in '99). He had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I've ever known. And he was my best friend. I don't know what I'll do without him.

Posting this online seems so impersonal and insufficient but I have this hole in my heart and don't know what else to do.

Tragedy strikes the Northwest Iowa communities of Laurens and Marathon.

A veteran teacher of 27 years is killed while riding his bike on a county road.

The flag at Laurens-Marathon schools is at half staff. Faculty, administration and students are trying to deal with the loss of 50 year-old Alan Petersen. He was employed as a teacher in the district, but thought of much more.

"This is a death in the family that is the best way to say it," says Laurens-Marathon Superintendent Iner Joelson.

Petersen went for a bike ride in preparation for RAGBRAI Wednesday night. He was headed West at about eight O'clock along a stretch of highway 10, just outside Marathon. Tragically, that's when he was struck by a car driven by one of his former students. Authorities say the driver couldn't see Petersen because of the blinding light from the setting sun.

"She is just devastated it was one of those unavoidable things... there was nothing... that's why they call them accidents," says Joelson.

Petersen was a science teacher and a favorite of students and teachers alike. Friends say at times it was hard to tell him apart from the students.

"He was... He seemed like he was everywhere at once... he not only taught science for us he helped out with the plays and the speech he helped out with athletics," says friend and colleague Kerry Feekes.

"He would come alive if you think of 'Bill Nye the Science Guy,' the alive... the animated... like a little kid in a candy store," says Joelson.

Petersen will be survived by his two sons, but there's no question that he will be remembered by his entire community.

...

http://www.ktiv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12557404

Facebook remembrance thing: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=125287207501391




I'll be logging off for a while. I'm going to miss this cyber community but...hopefully, I'll be back.

[Catshrink]

1. I am so sorry for your loss.

This is truly tragic.

:grouphug:

[Starry Messenger]

2. Thank you for sharing him with us progressoid.

:hug: I'm so sorry for your loss.

[ZombieHorde]

3. I love the facebook picture. nt

[progressoid]

14. Geek week :)

It was taken a few hours before he died.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. A dear friend of mine died this afternoon

All I can think of is we both need a hug. :hug:

[progressoid]

15. ...

:hug:

I think he would have identified with your teacher struggles. He often had to deal with disputes with teachers and administration. It was so hard for him because he too nice of a guy.

[abq e streeter]

24. So very sorry to hear this too

:hug:

[Hissyspit]

28. So sad to hear that.

:hug:

[Hissyspit]

29. .

[proud2BlibKansan]

54. I may post about her later

It was sudden and sad. Still overwhelmed with grief.

[madokie]

40. so sorry for your loss P2BK

And here's a big ole okie :hug: for you

[barbtries]

66. i'm so sorry

when i went to los angeles to visit for a week earlier this year, a friend of mine died unexpectedly while i was there. she was only 48 years old. :hug:

[goclark]

122. Hugs

:hug: :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. My dear progressoid...

My deepest condolences on the very premature death of your beloved brother...how much this must hurt.

I didn't know him except from what you've said here, and I'm hurting.

Safe passage to him...

I hope you will return, when you're ready. We need our sensitive, literate members. You are one of those and your contributions would be missed if you decided to leave us...

I hope that your precious memories of him will sustain you in this time of horrific loss...

:hug:

[Demeter]

6. All Our Loving Support to Your Family in this Time of Need

There can be no repair, only a hope for peace.

[Big Blue Marble]

7. My heart goes out to you at this time of great grief.

I lost my sister in a similar biking accident. She was 34. The only difference was that she was struck and killed
by a drunk driver. At that time, there were few penalties for driving drunk even to the point of
killing someone. This was in the early eighties in Florida. She lost her life and he spent a night
in jail. For me as I am sure it is for you, it was a deeply felt living changing moment.

Even now so many years later there few days that I do not think of her. Take care of yourself and
those two boys. You will matter much in their lives from this point on.

[ClayZ]

8. Lighting a candle for your brother tonight!

I am sorry for you loss.

[petersjo02]

9. I am so sorry for your loss.

I buried my brother in March, also a sudden, unexpected event. Devastating, as I know it is for you and for his precious children.

[midnight]

10. So absolutely sad to hear about the loss of your brother. Hugs to you and your

family.

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. HUGS

and may you find peace.

[handmade34]

12. I am truly sorry for your loss progressoid

There is such sweet sorrow when remembering someone you love so much. Take care of yourself and family now and we wish for you precious memories to hold onto.

[aquart]

13. Thank you for telling us. This sucks.

You should have had him longer. I wish there was someone to blame. But nothing makes it better. There is no way through this but through it.

If there is any self-indulgence that will help, DO IT. Although it's all sawdust right now.

I hope your family comes of this strong and sure of the help you can give each other and the trust you can place in each other.

But someone too valuable to lose is gone. It sucks.

[G_j]

16. heartbreaking

thank goodness he had such a positive effect on those he knew. That goodness will spread through them to others.
The world is a better place because of him. Condolences to all.

[sandnsea]

17. My deepest sympathy

What a shocking loss for all of you. I wish you peace and comfort while you figure out the new reality you find yourself in. :hug:

[cliffordu]

18. Sorry for your loss -

words fail.

[aikoaiko]

19. My condolences to you, everyone else in your family, and all who loved him

[Subdivisions]

20. My condolenses to you and your family, progressoid. Take all the time

you need. We'll miss you and I hope you'll return soon.

[BanzaiBonnie]

21. At a time like this, sometimes there are no words

I'm sorry is not enough. May you be forever surrounded by the love your brother had for you.

[abq e streeter]

22. I don't know what to say--I'm just so very sorry

[Heidi]

23. Rest in peace, Alan, and comfort to all who love you.

:hug:

[Touchdown]

25. I'm very sorry for your loss.

I'm sure the driver, his former student is beside herself with grief. It sounds so... Stephen King.

[LeftishBrit]

26. I am so sorry. There are no words.

My very best thoughts to you and all your family.

[JohnnyLib2]

27. You honor him in this way.

And what a tragedy. Many sad thoughts for all.

[Hissyspit]

30. Please accept my humble condolences, progressoid.

The article describes a great person.

[sabrina 1]

31. So sad, I am so sorry.

He will be a great loss to so many people. I wish there were words to comfort you with, but I cannot think of any.

:kick:

[live love laugh]

32. I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. nt

[Raster]

33. Bless Your Heart.

Self is everywhere, shining forth from all beings,
vaster than the vast, subtler than the most subtle,
unreachable, yet nearer than breath, than heartbeat.
Eye cannot see it, ear cannot hear it nor tongue utter it,
only in deep absorption can the mind, grown pure and silent,
merge with the formless truth.
He who finds it is free, he has found himself;
he has solved the great riddle; his heart is forever at peace.
Whole, he enters the whole.
His personal self returns to its radiant, intimate, deathless source.
As rivers lose name and form when they disappear into the sea,
the sage leaves behind all traces when he disappears into the light.
Perceiving the truth, he becomes the truth,
he passes beyond all suffering, beyond death;
all the knots of his heart are loosed.

[xchrom]

34. May peace be with you and your family at this time of your loss. nt

[BrklynLiberal]

35. That is a tragedy...in so many ways. So sorry for your loss,and the loss to the community, as well

[closeupready]

36. Same type of 'blinding light' thing happened to my grandmother.

My sympathies are with you. :hug:

[political_Dem]

37. I send my deep condolences to you and your loved ones .

My heart breaks that you and your family have to go through a tragedy like this. Please know that you are definitely in my thoughts. I hope that you are surrounded by caring, genorosity and comfort. Those are the things that help in the healing as the days go by. Take care of yourself and those you love.

:hug:

[madokie]

38. So sorry for your loss

you are not alone, there at home or here in cyber space :hug:

[Mari333]

39. hugs

[southern_belle]

41. So sorry for your loss n/t

[NNN0LHI]

42. Lost a real good person and friend to a bicycle accident about 10 years ago

He just lost control of the bike on a trail and hit the ground wrong and was paralyzed and in a coma. Couldn't breathe without a machine. His family kept him on life support for a couple of months and then pulled the plug. He was a young guy.

Some don't realize how precious and fleeting life is.

Very sorry to hear about your brother.

Don

[Soylent Brice]

43. my condolences. n/t

[LaurenG]

44. I am so sorry for your loss

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

[HillWilliam]

45. So sorry for your loss

It's so hard to lose a sibling, especially when it's so early in life. I lost my brother 12 years ago. The good memories will eventually help fill the hole. For now, I hope our friendship will help. :hug:

[a la izquierda]

46. oh no!

i'm so sorry for your loss.
i worry daily about getting hit by a car on my rides...

[MrScorpio]

47. My deepest condolences for you and your family

I am so sorry for your loss.

[shirleym]

48. Sincere sympathy to you and your family. nt

[riderinthestorm]

49. What a terrible tragedy. I am so sorry for your loss progressoid.

Your brother is gone far too soon.

Hugs and come back soon.

[myrna minx]

50. I am so sorry.

:cry: :hug:

[tomm2thumbs]

51. thanks for sharing - heartfelt sympathies

rest up and come back when you feel right about it - sending all good thoughts your way

[dionysus]

52. he seems like he was a great man. i am so sorry for your loss

:(

[undeterred]

53. I am so sorry.

Thank you for telling us about him. :hug:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

55. I think I would have liked him.

oh dear...dear progressoid, wishing for your strength, much support and comfort from friends now.

[tpsbmam]

56. I'm so sorry for your tragic loss, and sorry for his second family which

sounds like the entire school & way beyond. The video of him sledding/tubing with his class was wonderful -- I wish there were more teachers like him. We might have more scientists if there were. May you, your family and his extended family find some peace as you mourn & celebrate his life together. :grouphug:

[Berry Cool]

57. I'm so sorry, progressoid, and proud2Blibkansan too.

I hope for both of you to be held close to the hearts of those around you at such a painful time.

[Sheepshank]

58. OMG

I am so sorry. So very very sorry.

[Maraya1969]

59. ...

:grouphug:

[Enthusiast]

60. Very sorry for your loss.

Alan was a wonderful man and a wonderful brother. Forwarding healing vibes for the family and community.

[mimitabby]

61. my condolences for you and the family

My husband spends a great part of his free time on a bicycle, and we all figure that's the way he's going to go too. He figures he'd rather get taken out by a cement truck than die for 3 years in a hospital bed.

But for your family and for the girl who was driving, I can't imagine your pain. I'm very sorry for your loss.

[cate94]

62. I am very sorry for your loss.

May you and all of the people who loved your brother find peace.

[Dappleganger]

63. Can't imagine what you're going through.

All I can do is offer up a prayer and wish peace upon you and your family and community.

:hug:

[sonias]

64. My condolences for you loss progressoid

May your brother Alan rest in peace. And may his family find comfort in the wonderful life he lived. You too. Keep his wonderful life in your heart and give yourself time to grieve.

:hug:

[barbtries]

65. i am so sorry

so sudden and so tragic. :cry:

[theFrankFactor]

67. Hug

[KittyWampus]

68. Sorry for your loss. Alan sounds like he was a wonderful all around guy!

[disillusioned73]

69. Best wishes for you & your family

[FailureToCommunicate]

70. I hope that hole in your heart can someday heal, even if only a bit. I lost my brother recently

and similarly had to 'come out' not too long after finding this fine community of DU. He was about your brothers age, midwest born (our mother was from Iowa) and a prominent investigative journalist.

I think of him and his young family daily...

I guess the hole in the heart may not really "heal" as I wished for you. There may just be times when it hurts less...

I am so sorry for your loss, fellow DUer.

We'll be here when you feel up to coming back.

[fascisthunter]

71. Very Sorry for your Loss

[Blue Owl]

72. Condolences

Very sorry progressoid -- a tragic event.

[pinboy3niner]

73. I had a teacher like your brother who was a major influence in my life

Someone who was teacher, mentor, friend. We remained friends for several decades, and when he turned 80 I joined scores of other former students to help him celebrate. His passing several years ago was deeply felt.

So I know I would have liked Alan, and I'm sorry for this tragic loss to you, your family and your community. I'm sorry he didn't get to reach his 80's, as my friend did, but I'm happy for the richness of the life he had, and for Alan's enrichment of the lives of so many others. My thoughts are with you in your time of loss...

Love & Peace,
pinboy3niner

[Kajsa]

74. I am so sorry for your loss, Progressoid.

Your brother was a wonderful teacher and a good, good man.
I can tell this by reading the article above and by what you
wrote.

My condolences to you, your family, his students and your community
at this difficult time.
Take care of yourself, please.

:hug: :grouphug:

[Uncle Joe]

75. My condolences to you and your family, progressoid.

Peace and healing to you and yours.:grouphug:

[rurallib]

76. so sorry for your loss

The memories and good deeds that your brother left behind are what every person should strive for. That is what counts.
I know you are proud to have a brother like that.
And while it hurts, his memory will live on.
From a fellow Iowan, rurallib

[emmadoggy]

77. What a horrible tragedy. I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[DesertDiamond]

78. What a very special human being your brother is. I say "is" because people never die,

they just leave their bodies. Your brother is still with you and I hope you can feel his presence. But it is so hard to lose the chance to hug the one you love. I send you love and tears.

[PJPhreak]

79. ....

[blondeatlast]

92. That's a lovely memorial. nt

[babylonsister]

80. Ohhh, progressoid,

I'm so very sorry for you and your family. My sincerest condolences. This is heartbreaking; I hope you can take some comfort knowing we are here for you. :hug:

[nilram]

81. Big hugs, dude.

Know that you had a big treasure, and still have a big treasure, in having a friend in your dad. Know that he didn't want to leave you, either. Treasure him always. Take care.

[nyc 4 Biden]

82. my condolences...

:hug:

[fizzgig]

83. i am so sorry

peace and comfort to you and yours :hug:

[Jokinomx]

84. My condolences ....

What a wonderful person he must have been. He left the planet a better place. That is what we are all hoping to do...some do it better than others and it's always special when a teacher goes above and beyond the call of duty to better the world he/she lives.

They make a large impact on so many people.

Peace be with you.

Jokinomx

[Bluzmann57]

85. Deepest sympathy from this eastern Iowan

What a tragic loss. Hope you and the familes involved are holding up ok. And let's hope that the young person who accidentally hit your brother is bearing up well too. That is such a burden to live with, even though it was accidental. Maybe especially because it was accidental. Good luck to all involved.

[raccoon]

86. I am so sorry. My condolences to you and your family. nt

[bobbolink]

87. What a tragedy. He obviously leaves an unfillable hole.

:hug:

[wellstone dem]

88. This biker to the North sends her

deepest condolences. He sounds like a wonderful man.

[eagertolearn]

89. This is very sad. I'm sorry for your loss:(

I lost my younger sister when she was 16 to a hiking accident and then my brother to alcoholism 30 years later (he never recovered from her death) and I wonder why am I left? It must be that there is something more i needed to do and if I could do anything to help a cause both siblings loved then I would be continuing their dreams. I also have dried to understand homelessness, alcoholism and mental illness (my brother) more and helped my kids to realize that we need to make this world a better place by understanding and doing something about these problems. It doesn't seem to make sense that someone as alive as your brother is suddenly gone. It hurts so much and I wish i could say it willget better but it doesn't...the hurt just changes. But do something in his memory that will carry on his spirit. That helps. Hand in there though. There is much life yet to be lived for him by you and his sons and his students.

[uponit7771]

90. I pray for a quick healing of your heart and soul.

[blondeatlast]

91. My heart goes out to you, your family, and the community.

If you don't mind, I will say a prayer for all involved.

[ihavenobias]

93. I'm very sorry to hear this.

DU is behind you.

[wordpix]

94. very sorry for your loss---want to point out one thing in the name of safety

It is not "unavoidable" to drive blind into glaring sunlight. It is dangerous driving and no one should do it. There's lots you can do: pull over until the sun sinks lower and you can see, pull over and put on your sunglasses and pull your visor in position to block the glare, pull over and read a book for awhile. The same goes for blinding snowstorms or rain squalls. Do not drive blind, that is a disaster waiting to happen.

[susanwy]

95. My condolences.

I feel your pain, having buried a brother myself many years ago. Please take care of yourself and your family.

Susan

[Rainbowreflect]

96. I am so sorry for you loss.

Remember that he is not really gone. He will live on in every life he touch and every life those people enrich because of what they learned from him.

[tularetom]

97. Safe home Mr Petersen, and my condolences Progressoid

I'll be calling my brother today. He and I are the last ones left from our family and we haven't been particularly close.

Thanks for posting this.

[Tumbulu]

98. Oh how sad- I am so sorry

what a devastatingly tragic story.

[The Midway Rebel]

99. Peace...rest easy brother. n/t

[tqla]

100. Sorry about your loss progressoid.

[glitch]

101. I am so sorry progressoid. Words can't do it, but you have our sympathies. nt

[LiberalLoner]

102. I am so sorry for your loss. n/t

[UpInArms]

103. I am so sorry for your loss

[MindandSoul]

104. This is so sad! Thank you for sharing this! I am so sorry for our loss!

[marions ghost]

105. Come back when you can

so sorry to hear this news. So hard to lose someone you love suddenly. Your brother sounds like such a fine person, a real gem. We honor his memory.

:hug:

[DesertFlower]

106. sorry for you loss.

[freddie mertz]

107. My god, what a tragedy.

My deepest condolences to you, your family, and your community.

I love teachers. I also happen to be one, and I also ride a bike.

A few years ago, one of the librarians where I work was hit in a similar way.

We all went into shock.

I know you will "recover," in a way from this. But everything changes.

Take heart, and take care of your family and friends.

[devilgrrl]

108. I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[Corrupted Edge]

109. The loss of someone who can appreciate science is

always sad... Especially when it is what sounds to be one of those people that made the world better for their community.

[msanthrope]

110. I am so very, very sorry. n/t

[MissDeeds]

111. I am so very sorry for your loss, progressoid

What a tragedy. As a former public school teacher, and later as a professor of education, I used to tell my students that good teachers live forever. I think each of us can attest to that. From what I read, your brother was such a teacher. I hope it gives you some comfort to know that his memory will live on in the lives of his students, and he will not be forgotten.


You both are in my thoughts.


:grouphug: MissDeeds

[stevedeshazer]

112. Your brother sounds like a great guy.

Condolences to you and your family.

[JerseygirlCT]

113. Oh my God, what an awful tragedy!

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[pleah]

114. I am so very sorry for your loss.

[rury]

115. I wish you peace and comfort.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

116. very sorry for your loss

my condolences.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

117. I'm so sorry, Progressoid...

I can't think of any words, only caring thoughts. If you were here, I'd hug you...

[westerebus]

118. My condolences to you and your family.

[Yo_Mama]

119. I'm terribly sorry

I realize that nothing's going to dim your pain. Love to you and your family.

[NEOhiodemocrat]

120. So sorry for the lost of your brother

He sounds like a wonderful man who made an impact in the life of many and will be sadly missed.

[webDude]

121. You are in my prayers, God bless you and yours.

[defendandprotect]

123. My sympathies to you and your family ---

"Our happiness hangs by a thin thread" --

[progressoid]

124. Wow, I just took a break from writing thank-yous.

Seems I need to extend a huge electronic thank you to DU. I expected some kind comments but this goes above and beyond. It's as overwhelming as seeing the gymnasium full of his friends, colleagues, students and family last week.

I was just thinking about all the times I sent my brother some cool tidbit someone has posted on this forum. You guys are great :grouphug:

[mzmolly]

125. I'm so very sorry.

I hope the hole in your heart heals with the help of fond memories of your beloved brother.