My father in law passed away yesterday. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer almost a year ago. It's an extremely emotional time for both of our families. Not only was he there for me and Dusty since the beginning, he has also been there for me and my family. He opened his home to us when we had no where else to stay and never once made us feel unwelcomed. I always loved to listen to his stories about when he was growing up. He was such a fireball and reminded me of myself back in the day. He has influenced (my life) our lives in ways I will never forget. He will be deeply missed. It is now as I'm writing this that I realize that even though he was sick he never lost who he was. I used to always ask him how he was feeling. He always said the same thing " finer than a hair on a frogs back!" Even though you could see in his eyes how he didn't feel well at all. He never complained.
He passed away at home, with just he and Mrs Vicky there. Listening to Kenny Chesney and watching the wind blow. That's who is was and how had always wanted it.
I really believe that there are few times in our lives when we meet people who really influence our lives. He was definaltely one of those people. My life will be forever changed because of the love he had for me. He has showed me that that things I always thought were important, money, a good job, ect, are not everything in life. It's being able to leave a lagacy and stories behind. Thats whats important. I used to have a fire and a passion for life. He has relit that flame. I always told people that your life is like a book. You can go through life on the easy path and have a tiny book that would take a little while to read, or you can take risks, take the road less traveled and have a life full of stories. I want the thickest book in the world. I want my book to take a life time to read. Thank you Mr Paul for bringing the passion back into my life. Thank you for lessons, that were not learned at the time, but are realized now. I love you Mr. Paul, and you will forever be my family.
Thank ya'll for listening and letting me get everything of my chest.
Re: My heart beraks right now
That was so sweet Jenn and sounds like he really touched your life. I'm sorry for your loss and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know what it's like to go through this - my dad passed away from pancreatic cancer when I was in HS. Makes me think about him. I'm glad you were able to learn so much from him and take so much from his life into yours.
:: sending hugs ::
Blog!
I am so sorry!! I believe these kinds of people are few and far between, and you just have to be grateful you crossed paths and clearly you have seent rhe value of your time with him. The way you spoke of him reminds me of how I felt about my DH's grandpa. Some people have a special ability to remind you of what matters.