Even though we think we are prepared for the death of a loved one, I am not sure that we ever really can be.
You may have noticed that I was absent last week. At 1:30 on Tuesday morning my phone rang. A call from an unknown local number at that time can never be a good thing.
It was the nursing home where my sister's husband was a patient. They called me to let me know that he had unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. It was up to me to get dressed and go to my sister's home to break the news.
My brother-in-law Don was a good man. He was highly intelligent, a prolific writer, and most of all he loved kids.
He spent many hours teaching chess to underprivileged children and he entertained his nieces and nephews with an unlimited repertoire of stories. He loved to make up scary stories to tell to my daughter Katy for when we were travelling around the state of Kentucky.
He had an amazing knowledge of the state of Kentucky, which he shared through his newspaper column and in a book he wrote.
You can read a wonderful tribute to him, which appeared at the top of the front page of our paper here.
Don will be missed by many, but he will be especially missed by those of us who called him family.
Rip in peace Don. We are happy that for you there is no more pain.
Laura, I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Oh Laura, I am so sorry. It's never easy to lose someone even when they have been ill. Big Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Sad day for your family. Peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so terribly sorry for your loss, Laura - how sad, your poor sister. xo
ReplyDeleteYour words express how blessed you all were in having such a good man in your family.
ReplyDeletePrayers for your sister. That must have been very hard for you to tell her. She is blessed to have you.....
Laura,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your family's loss but he sounds like he was an amazing man. I enjoyed reading the newspaper article and what a wonderful tribute to him.
Donna
I am SO sorry to hear of his passing. I know that had to be a difficult thing to do by telling your sister that sad news.
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. It is always hard to loose someone so special. Prayers and hugs to your sister and the rest of your family.
Kris
I'm sorry for the loss of your brother-in-law. It is never easy.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your families loss. That was a wonderful tribute written for him. Hopefully all the good memories will help you through this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss Laura. I don't think you are ready to say goodbye to anyone even if you know it will happen. I knew my mom was going to die 20 years ago and when it happened I was still devastated.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you and your sister and family,praying for you all
Cindy
I am so sorry... Prayers for comfort and peace for Your entire family and friends....
ReplyDeleteDebbi Saunders
Prayers coming your way for the loss of your sister's husband. How sad for her and for his entire family. Death is usually so unexpected and is so very hard for us left behind. Bless you and his family.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for the passing of your brother in law. Sending prayers of comfort to your family.
ReplyDeleteHello Laura. So very sorry to hear of your BIL's passing. He sounded like such a nice man and now he has gone to get his heavenly reward! Warm thoughts to you and to your sister. Susan
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss dear♥ Blessings♥
ReplyDeletesummerdaisy.net
Laura, so sorry. Those phone calls in the middle of the night are never good. Your brother-in-law sounds like a wonderful man who will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. My condolences to you and your sister.
ReplyDeleteLaura, so sorry. Those phone calls in the middle of the night are never good. Your brother-in-law sounds like a wonderful man who will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. My condolences to you and your sister.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss too. I'll keep your family in my prayers. Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDelete