gone

my grandson's father-in-law passed away last night and it reminded me once again how tentative life is.  he'd spent the evening dancing and having a nice time but then his damaged heart failed him.  he was 69 years old.

no time is right and every time seems too soon for us to leave this world for the unknown of afterlife.  when someone takes their last breath, their pain is over but it's only the beginning of heartache for their loved ones left behind.  i didn't know this man very well but i do know how much his daughter loved him and will miss him terribly as she carries on through life.  

now comes the time for family to band together to help her through the process of funeral and grieving.  she's fortunate to have a strong, loving husband to lean on and two sweet babies to give her a reason to hold herself together but it won't be easy.  losing a parent is like losing a part of your past.  she also has two wonderful brothers who will no doubt carry the heaviest load of making arrangements and taking care of all the family, maybe putting their own grieving on hold until all is done.  

as a family, they will draw together and gain strength and support from each other. that's what families do.