My sister had cancer and died after two years of treatment. I was by her side every step of the way, from diagnosis until her death. Even though I was there, it still somehow doesn’t seem real. She was so young and had so much life to live.

When my brother died, I lost my entire family. I thought, “There is no reason for me to be on this planet, no reason for me to be alive.” Even work felt meaningless.

Your grief will be affected not only by the relationship you had with your brother or sister, but also by other factors, such as the way they died, your ages when they died, if you were present or not, and the supports you had or have now. This chapter describes some thoughts and feelings you might experience, and it discusses ways different people respond to death and grief. Suggestions are offered to help you cope.