Monday, March 2, 2015

Navigating the tough stuff


I'm feeling tender hearted and fiercely protective of my family today.  My father-in-law passed away yesterday. On his birthday. And it was fast and unexpected. And our daughters have never dealt with losing a loved one. And they are worried about their dad.  And confused about what they are feeling.

Robert was a good, good man.  Who on Thursday would have been married to Sarah for 44 years. Who liked to compare weather and gas prices with everyone he met.  Who served in the Missouri National Guard. Had two children.  Four grandchildren.  And went to the mall most days to walk even though he probably sat in the food court drinking coffee and talking to his buddies more than exercising.

Nerves are fluttering around my chest as I wonder how to help my little family navigate this time. Just move through it I suppose.

We love you Grandpa.
-dana

30 comments:

  1. AmyMarch 2, 2015 at 2:59 PM

    I'm sorry for the loss of your FIL, dad and grandpa. One of the hard spots of life for sure. Stephen was 10 when my dad passed. A few days after, I found him in his bedroom with pictures of Grandpa all around him. He was afraid he would forget what he looked like. I just sat down on the floor with him and let him lead the conversation, and let the Lord lead me. However the guidance happens, it will be just right for your family. Prayers of comfort being said for each of you.

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  2. CatherineMarch 2, 2015 at 3:57 PM

    It is so difficult to know what to say other than I am sorry for the loss of your dear father-in-law. I am sure the right words will come when you talk to your daughters, husband and all in the family circle.

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  3. karen @ badlandsquiltsMarch 2, 2015 at 4:38 PM

    I am sorry for your loss!

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  4. DebbyMcMarch 2, 2015 at 4:47 PM

    I'm so sorry, Dana.

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  5. Kelly O.March 2, 2015 at 5:12 PM

    Navigating a sudden loss has got to be much harder and confusing than one that is expected. My heart bleeds for your dear family and your mother in law. I will pray for you.

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  6. doloresMarch 2, 2015 at 6:24 PM

    Oh sweetheart....so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you, the girls and of course Razor!

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  7. The Cozy PumpkinMarch 2, 2015 at 6:30 PM

    Oh I'm so so sorry. Lots of hugs from our family to yours!

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  8. PaigeMarch 2, 2015 at 6:46 PM

    So, so sorry for your family's loss. It sounds like he will be missed and was well-loved!

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  9. beth March 2, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    thinking of you today dana... and your girls.

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  10. Laura ChaneyMarch 2, 2015 at 7:14 PM

    So sorry for your loss. Thoughts are with you and your family.

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  11. JenniferMarch 2, 2015 at 9:36 PM

    Keeping you and your family - immediate and extended - in my thoughts - so hard to lose someone suddenly.

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  12. UnknownMarch 2, 2015 at 10:39 PM

    So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sending soft hugs across the miles.
    Sandy A

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  13. TammyMarch 2, 2015 at 10:42 PM

    My sympathy goes out to you. I don't know how old your children are, but Maria Shriver has a good book called "What's Heaven." It helps children understand the loss of a loved one. http://mariashriver.com/books/

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  14. CorinneaMarch 3, 2015 at 6:33 AM

    I am so sorry.

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  15. TriciaMarch 3, 2015 at 7:56 AM

    I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Sending thoughts and prayers for peace.

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  16. JoMarch 3, 2015 at 8:02 AM

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss, thinking of you and all of your family xx

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  17. KZMarch 3, 2015 at 9:13 AM

    So sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your loved ones

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  18. KatieMarch 3, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    Oh Dana, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you xo

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  19. KarMarch 3, 2015 at 10:17 AM

    You, Razor and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers. I know what you are going through being that we just lost my FIL a few weeks ago. Just remember how blessed you all are to have had this wonderful man in your lives and all the memories you made with him.

    Hugs to you all.
    Kar

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  20. angelaMarch 3, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    I'm so sorry, Dana. Prayers for you and your family.

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  21. MeganMarch 3, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    my sympathies and love to you and your family.

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  22. charlotteMarch 3, 2015 at 12:21 PM

    My deepest sympathy to you all. One day at a time, you kind of have to go with the flow. Lots of hugs and love and understanding and patience. Hang in there, Dana.

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  23. Osage Bluff QuilterMarch 3, 2015 at 2:52 PM

    Dana, So sorry for you all. Losing a parent/grandparent is never easy.
    Safe travels to Missouri

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  24. Cindy QuiltsMarch 3, 2015 at 6:11 PM

    So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.

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  25. BethMarch 4, 2015 at 10:09 AM

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts .

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  26. Lexi and RobertMarch 6, 2015 at 1:45 PM

    Sorry for your loss Dana (and family). I will keep you all in my prayers. I hope you all find comfort at this time!

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  27. McmMarch 10, 2015 at 12:27 PM

    Oh Dana, I am so sorrow for your loss, my heartfelt and deepest sympathy.

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  28. KimMarch 12, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    My brother is 65 and is losing his fight with pancreatitis, he has been married for 44 years too. We have at least gotten to say our goodbyes but don't know how we will deal with his loss. He has one grandchild that is too young to remember him, at least she will have the pictures of them together. Loss, I don't know how to cope either I just put one foot in front of the other and pray for strength.
    So sorry for you loss, my sympathies to you and yours.

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  29. www.randomthoughtsdoordi.comMarch 19, 2015 at 12:20 AM

    Dear Dana and family. I'm so sorry for your loss. He died way too young. I hope the coming months that your memories will bring you all comfort and you will find joy in remembering the good times. ❤️

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  30. sallgoodMarch 20, 2015 at 7:29 PM

    I'm sorry for your loss. I haven't been by your blog in a while, but I think of you often. Peace to you and your family.

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