I haven’t had the heart to blog since December 6th. My family’s world was rocked that day and we’ve been heartbroken since.

My amazing father in law John passed away that Thursday morning. Jonathan called me at work in tears to tell me. I was in shock, in denial and so hurt. I just couldn’t believe this was happening. It just didn’t seem real.

He had battled pneumonia on and off for the last year and a half, had developed asthma, and generally had a really hard time breathing lately, especially at night. He started to get sick a few weeks ago and we suspected it was pneumonia yet again. He made an appointment with a pulmonologist but was going to have to wait 2 weeks. Unfortunately he passed away in his sleep a week before that appointment.  He was only 57.

He and my mother in law are such a huge part of our lives {as are my parents}. I love my in laws like my own parents. They have both helped raise our kids. John has kept them since they were both born, took them to school and picked them up, and attended class parties when we couldn’t. Every one at the school loved him. In fact, John was loved where ever he went. He never met a stranger.

His passing will leave an undeniable void in our lives.  Life will not be the same without him.  I don’t understand why this happened but I still trust my Lord.  I have hope that we will be reunited with him again and that he is now whole and not hurting.

John loved his family more than anything and was especially proud to be a grandfather.  His grands affectionately called him GG.  My kids love their GG to the moon and back and they will miss him so very much. At first I was afraid that because they are so young they might forget him, but I think he made such an impact on them that’s not likely to happen.  And also because we won’t let it happen.  We will always talk about him and tell them stories about their GG.

We love you John.  You were the best husband to Marie, the best dad to Jonathan and his siblings, the most amazing GG, and the best father in law a girl could want or have.  I’m so blessed to be in your family.  We love you and miss you so much!

{This is the slideshow Jonathan and I put together for the funeral.}