In Memoriam Final Installment

In some of my previous post in Memorial to those who passed too early I’ve only mentioned my direct relatives. I cannot leave out one of the most important people in my life who has passed much too early. As I mentioned before, that aunt Betty was a very loving and bighearted relative. Looking back I realize that my wife showed the same largeness of heart and love that I was familiar with visiting uncle Jim’s house. When I met her family they all had loving and caring hearts. I didn’t realize how significant this was until I was doing this series. My in-laws are fantastic people. The most significant man in my life was my wife’s father John. He was an amazing man in so many ways. He was the most patient person I have ever met. He was so helpful to me in learning how to do house projects and home improvement. He was always available and willing to help.

His health was never great and he suffered a number of heart attacks and had more than one bypass surgery. Due to these heart problems his heart function was rated at only 30%. This lack of blood flow contributed to kidney problems that he succumbed to in his 60s. Much much too early for this beautiful man. Everyone who met John became his friend. I cannot express how much I learned from him about life and everything important. I not only loved his daughter but love the whole family.

The last time he was in the hospital we knew it was bad. My wife and I were up there as well as most of the rest of the family. He was in the bed, conscious but unable to talk to us. It was near lunchtime and everyone agreed to meet at a nearby house at one of my sister-in-laws. As everyone left my wife and I stayed back. I sat near my father-in-law and was talking to him even though he couldn’t respond. I noticed a tear running down his face and I held his hand and told him on much we loved him. This was the only time I told him that I loved him. He went to sleep and my wife and I left to join the others. When we got there we found out that John had passed in the short time we were on the road. I’m so glad I was able to tell him how I felt. Without a doubt John was the most important man I’ve ever known.