“It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”
― John Steinbeck
(blooming dogwoods / Julie Cook / 2016)
Friday we lost a member or our ever shrinking family..
My 92 year old father-n-law.
Despite his advanced years, his dependence on a walker, he had gotten himself up and dressed as usual… as he readied to head to work…
To the business he started single handedly 70 years ago located in a small west Georgia town.
It was a massive heart attack.
He was a widower, a proud World War II Veteran, living indepentalty alone…
Yet he got dressed each and every morning, complete with dress shirt and tie, waiting for a grandson to pick him up in order to be taken to his beloved store.
Despite the years of alcoholism, abuse, misfortune, and heartache…there had been a reconciliation within this past year…a healing…for which I am most thankful…especially for my husband.
Families are funny that way.
There will be difficult days ahead for his grown children and grown grandchildren… each who will struggle in their own ways with the memories of the shifting shadows of childhoods that were less than ideal.
With each one piecing back together the ebbing and flowing of a shattered past.
I’ll be in and out over the next couple of days, but hope to be back soon…
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
John 14:1-4
cookiecrumbstoliveby 
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss and that of your family. But so grateful that there has been a reconciliation and healing for many over the past year. Prayers for you and the family as you move through the next few days and weeks.
Thank you Lynda–and thank you for your most thoughtful card and remembrance–there is much to say about all of this but that God’s hand has been at work–and that there has been a long over due apology from his dad for all the negative and hurtful years—granted nothing can be re-lived or necessarily fixed—but the contrition of the heart is often enough to heal the other damaged and wounded hearts—my husband’s overt kindness and generosity to a man who did not deserve such as been amazing—makes for bittersweetness–but thankful a sense of peace….
Again–thank you
I’m really sorry to hear that Julie.
kind of living in your shadow these couple of days—I do have some things to share with you concerning your loss—and will touch base next week—until then–hugs Wally
I had the same thought when I read that Julie. Of course in a way I was blessed, and her, that it was sudden.
You feel free to share whenever it feels appropriate, and in the meantime you are on my mind.
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Sorry for your loss, Julie. So good to have precious moments to remember.
Thank you Kathy—it will be a long weekend and an interesting next couple of weeks—but God’s hand has been most evident—I am most thankful
Peace be with you!
Sorry for your loss Julie. May you receive comfort.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God’s peace which passes all understanding be yours today and in the days ahead….Hugs ~ Laura
Sorry for your loss Julie. I would love to hear more of his story. Blessings, David
It is a story to be certain David—thank you for your concern…
thinking of you and your family ❤
Thank you Jenna—never easy is it?…life is odd with all it’s twists and turns–just know how much I appreciate your friendship
Sorry for your family loss Julia.
Thank you Denise–it’s been a long weekend
My condolences to you and your husband and his family. May you all feel the Lord’s peace and presence as you face the sad and difficult days ahead. Love, N
Julie may you live in and pass on the strengths and determination of your father-in-law.
thank you Oneta—his work ethic was truly something rarely seen within our current generations…