The novel Ordinary People is very similar to my ordeal that began just after the Christmas of 1999 when my stepbrother became deathly ill and died in March of 2000. Losing someone so close is only the beginning of the painful experiences that Conrad and I faced. The effects of losing a sibling are seemingly unbearable and will change a family forever.
The initial shock Conrad Jarret faced after losing his brother was devastating. He found little reason to go on in life and blamed himself for the loss of such a close person. Attempting suicide was only the beginning of the effects that such a catastrophe would have. Right after the first realization that a family member is lost comes a time when Conrad and his parents are more prone to small arguments. Although Calvin is careful to make sure Conrad is all right when he gets out of the hospital, Beth finds fault and accuses him of not caring about her. Then Cal accuses Beth of not caring about their son who is in utter shock after returning from the hospital. What originally started out in a time for mourning turned into several arguments because of the sudden tension. What was once a perfect life quickly becomes hell when all emotions that have been bottled up suddenly explode like a time bomb. After several months and many arguments, it becomes more tame for the Jarretts; however, hey do not turn out as well as hoped for because Jordan's death turned into Conrad's attempt for suicide, turned into more and more fights amongst the three of them, and resulted in Beth leaving, perhaps temporarily, but it will seemingly end in divorce. .
For me, the catastrophe was much the same. My stepbrother died. I had many thoughts of suicide, never following through though and the awkwardness built, being careful not to upset anyone, trying to keep from mentioning the name of my stepbrother, Neil. After three months of memories visiting him in the hospital, watching his condition worsen, my family and I didn't need didn't want to be reminded of the time.
