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    Wednesday, July 02, 2008

    I Miss You

    Yesterday, July 1st, was the 12th anniversary of my father in law's death. I can't believe I still miss him this much so many years later. You can read the entire saga of my in-laws here.

    My FIL was the sweetest man to ever walk. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye that made you wonder what he was up to. He was very loving and caring toward everyone. He would do anything for anyone. I never saw him angry.

    He would always ask me, as he lie dying of cancer, if the pickles were ready to be picked. This was in reference to his birth in the cucumber field. He wanted to know when the baby was coming. He was so sweet. He held on only to see that baby be born. He got to hold her 2 times while he lay in his bed. The pictures were incredible. Not only did his eyes sparkle while looking at her, the 2 week old baby was smiling up at him with the same sparkling eyes.



    Her middle name is the same as his first name even though it is a man's name. MIL was jealous because she wanted to be the baby's namesake.

    I got a call the next day from Mr. Sign. He said that it looked like FIL wasn't going to make it much longer. I stopped what I was doing and rushed to get there. I got lost on my way there which was strange because I had driven it so many times before. I was the last one in the family to get there. The nurses all said that he waited for me. His eyes were closed tight but the nurses were sure that he could hear me. I leaned down and gave him a kiss on the cheek and whispered into his ear that granddaughters #1 &2 wanted him to go be with the angels. One tear trickled down his cheek and he stopped breathing with that tear still drying.

    He died on July 1st which meant that the funeral would have to wait until the 5th because of the holiday. Unfortunately, we had a hard time finding enough veterans to do the 21 gun salute but they somehow pulled it off.


    He was the kindest, most gentle man I have ever known. I wish I had had the chance to know him longer. He would love everything about his granddaughters. They would make him proud.

    14 comments:

    Mouthy Girl said...

    You made him proud in life - the girls make him proud in death. I have to believe that he watches over all of you.

    And I LOVE the idea of making #2 his namesake. I'm a believer in the symbolism of names. Well done!

    barman said...

    Oh my, now I have tears coming down my face. I have grown very sentimental. Anyway that was a lovely little story. I mean it is sad he passed and is no longer there but still it was a good thing. I found myself doing the same when my friends Mom passed recently. I fear I am growing up. Peter Pan will never understand.

    That was wonderful naming #2 after him. *hugs* to you Sign.

    Anonymous said...

    oh, i am bawling! what a beautiful tribute to a great man. have no doubt that he smiles down upon you now and is very very proud. :)

    snowelf said...

    Jenn, that was so, so sweet.
    (((signgurl)))

    --snow

    Missy said...

    These tears Jenn are for y'alls loss. It's for the moving reflection you shared with us, and it is for all those who suffer because of illness.

    May you all reflect with fondness and not with sadness on his life.

    Lori said...

    Wow...what a story. I went back and caught up on the whole story. Quite the ride, quite the ride.

    HUGS Jen

    stalkermom said...

    Oh that was such a wonderful post. It hits home with me because I adore my FIL and I am very worried about him right now.

    You know, your husband probably learned all his wonderful traits from your FIL.

    Mona said...

    May his soul rest in peace.

    bookbinder said...

    Very moving story.

    ell said...

    what a wonderful story. and what a wonderful man. you were so lucky to have had him in your life.

    he's probably looking down on you and smiling.

    ell

    p.s. the tears are rolling here too....

    lalepro said...

    You sound very blessed to have had such a wonderful father in law. Thank you for posting on his yahrzeit.
    He looks a lot like my Great-Uncle Keats.

    *Hugs*

    *S*

    kimmyk said...

    aww i'm sure he is very proud of all y'all SG.

    you were blessed to know him for as long as you did. cherish your memories!

    Michele in Michigan said...

    Beautiful...


    Thanks for sharing

    G-Man said...

    You are such an awesome human being Jenn....G-Daddy (with tears of my own)