How do I sit down and write out the words that would describe what has happened over the past few months? I know I haven't blogged about anything. None. Nada. There has been SO much that I’ve wanted to write about but I just haven’t found the strength of will to put down my thoughts into words. Mainly because of what had been going on with my father-in-law, Jerry. On the morning of January 6th, Jerry went home. His health had declined rapidly since Christmas and it was a painful and emotionally draining experience for everyone that was there. Leading up to the morning he passed away, he was with his friends and family and everyone was there comforting him and telling him how much he was loved. After we went to bed that night, I think he was at peace in his heart and was ready to go home. He had been in so much pain for so long, I truly believe he received the answer to his prayers that morning.
His service was just incredible to me. Yes there were some tears but it was one of the most joyous events I've been to in a very long time. His best friend and his sister spoke about the amazing adventures he had experienced in his life. Its funny how much you learn about someone after they are gone. And in this case, Jerry was an amazing man. He was quiet and soft spoken in his recent years but when he spoke his mind, it was full of wisdom. I only hope that at my memorial service (hopefully a long time from now) they can find half of the fantastic stories and comments that were made for Jerry. He was the man who gave me permission to marry the one person that made my heart whole. His face always lit up whenever he was around his grandchildren and you could clearly see the love he had for his wife. I know he was beyond grateful for everything that Sherry did for him for so long. The kind of patience and strength that she was able to muster for him was saintly. But that was just a token of the depth of their love. They were married for 32 years. THIRTY TWO! How many marriages don't last 10 years... or even 5? They were pillars for their children and inspiring examples for anyone that knew them.
Christmas was tough this year, with all the traveling we had to do. But we were able to spend several days down in Texas, treasuring the time we had left. One special memory from Christmas was the fact that Jerry hand picked out all the gifts that he got for everyone. You should have seen the look on Kimi's face when she opened up the gift he got for her, a cross necklace with a pearl in it. It was the perfect gift for her, hands down. Now she will treasure it for the rest of her life.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your prayers and kindness during this tumultuous time in our lives. We are making it day by day but we still ask for your prayers of strength and rest. We KNOW Jerry is waiting for us up in Heaven and its not our time yet to go see him again. But just knowing he is pain free and watching over us makes it a little easier on the grieving process. We love you terribly Jerry.
This House Believes
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