What Title Could I Possibly Give This One?

Six and a half years ago, my father had a massive heart attack and died 48 hours later. I have talked in the past about that loss. It is a moment that never fades in my memory. It is a heartache that not only have I continued to work through but I have seen my children discuss and feel the loss of grandpa over they years.

Now, my father-in-law, my children's other grandpa is dying. He has been very ill and in an ICU unit for a couple weeks. Things have progressed poorly and he continues to get worse and need more and more intervention to stay alive. Today the news from the neurologist was not good. So, he is going to be moved to hospice care complete with his ventilator, dialysis needs, brain swelling and sepsis.

There have been positive, hopeful moments through this and we have done our best to keep the kids guardedly informed about Grandpa's condition. Now, it is time to prepare them for his death. Help them say their goodbyes. We didn't have the opportunity for them to say that same goodbye before my father died. I am hoping it will be a positive experience for them in the long run. Still, I am worried for them. I ache for their loss in this.

My father-in-law is a wonderful man. This is commonly said about the dead or dying but truly this man has the heart of an angel. He has a love that encompasses all who have need of him, all he crosses paths with and a love for his family that would bring tears to his eyes in the happy and sad moments. I have often told my husband how very grateful I am that he was raised by such a remarkable man. After my father died, I too leaned on my father-in-law's big shoulders for support. He has in every way been a father to me for the past 13+ years.

If you are the praying sort, or the positive thinking energy sort..please consider adding my children into your prayers tonight. We have a journey to complete with a special man very soon and I so hate saying goodbye.