Why some, not others?

Early this morning we got a phone call from India that my first cousin was clinging for life on a ventilator after being found passed out on the street.  Late this evening, we received news that he passed away, likely due to severe liver damage.  For the past several years he had been fighting a losing battle against alcoholism and depression.  He was a bachelor in his early 40's, a pilot by trade, and was expected to go places with his life.  I remember him as a smart, handsome, charming guy who was always looking to make people laugh. 

I don't know the details of his life to know what started his downward spin.  But what I think about is that we both come from the same family.  In particular from the same grandfather who really loved and worshipped the Lord.  A prayerful man that would send each of his grandchildren off with a personal prayer and blessing before we would leave his sight.  A man that I distinctly remember praying for his future generations.

So in saying all this, it makes me think about why the Lord chooses to intervene in some lives, and not others? Why has he honored the prayers of my grandfather for a few of his grandchildren, and not all.
I'm not questioning the Lord, because I know His ways are beyond my understanding, but tonight I'm just wondering, why Lord did I hear your call, and not him?