My Father-in-Law

[The_Captain]

This is the first time I've ever posted something of this nature at the cafe, but I could really use everyone's good thoughts and prayers for my wife, my sister-in-law, my mother-in-law (step) and my family (my two girls in particular).

This morning at 4:30am, we received news my father-in-law, Gary, had passed away in his sleep. He was only 62 years old and his death was very much unexpected. He had been dealing with a myriad of health problems, mostly stemming from the stroke he suffered in January of this year. But his health problems started back in 2000 when he had quadruple-bypass, heart valve replacement surgery. The surgery really had taken it's toll on his body. He seemed to be getting better until he suffered a stroke in January of this year. The stroke left him almost blind in the left eye and partially paralyzed his left leg. From that point until today, his health was in steady decline. We got to see him on Thanksgiving day which was the last day we saw him. He was tired, in pain and weary from the fight.

As I'm sure anyone can imagine this has hit my wife extremely hard. In 2003 her mom passed away from complications with her liver and now, 4 years later, she's having to bury her dad. This has also had a profound effect on my eldest daughter who turned 9 the day after Thanksgiving. When Laurie's mom passed away in 2003, Kaleigh was only 5, but somehow could grasp the loss of her grandmother. The hardest part of this morning, in addition to the phone call and my wife's emotional pain, was telling my two children they're grandfather had been taken by the Lord in his sleep. Meghan (my 5 year old) seemed to understand a bit of what happend, but Kaleigh sobbed like any child would do and it was the most heartbreaking thing Laurie and I had to do this morning.

I'm a faithful man and know Gary is in a much better place, free of the pain which ailed him and I'm thankful he is where he is. It's important to tell those we're close to and love the most, how much we adore and cherish them because we never know when we won't get the opportunity to do again.

Cafe friends, I appreciate you holding my family, all of them, in your prayers as we got through the grieving process.

Cap.

[Metroid]

Thats tough Cap, you have my deepest condolences and my thoughts are with you and your family during these hard times.

[Mookie4ever]

62 is way young.
My condolences. Stay strong man.

[eagles21]

Sorry to here that Captain. My condolences to you and your family.

[Tiki]

That's too bad man. I went to a funeral on Monday for my Great Grandma, I feel your loss.

[SniperShot]

Sad to hear that Cap.

I hope you and your family make it through this strong. I lost my grandfather 11 months ago now and I still feel like he was taken too early. He was 73. 62 is when one should be beginning retirement and/or just starting their final phase of life, not having it end. Sounds like he's had a rough 7 years or so, that sucks. Things can really feel helpless at times when somebodies health really deteriorates. At times like this I look for friends and family and those you care about for support and support you they will. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

[BlueBandit24]

Sorry to hear that Cap. My condolences to you and your family in this tough time.

[The Artful Dodger]

Sorry to hear that, Cap. I lost my grandfather 10 years ago and he died in his sleep at 73. He suffered a stroke about 13 years before he died and he really wasn't the same, but I can take solace that he past away in his sleep despite many continued years of pain, with the faith he's somewhere a lot better. I can definitely relate with how you feel right now. Best wishes to you and your family.

[knapplc]

Sean, you and your family are most certainly in my prayers. I'm sorry for your family's loss. We don't get to understand some things. I know this will be difficult.

Peace be with you and your family.

Lance

[m16a]

Real sorry to hear this cap. Your family will be in my prayers.