Tuesday, January 8, 2013

With Sadness

It is with sadness that I write this post to tell you that my dear elderly father-in-law, who has been under my and my husband's care for the last six years, has passed away this morning at 87 years old. Having suffered a severe stroke over a decade ago that left him in need of assistance with his daily life, my husband and I took him into our home and under our care when my mother-in-law passed away in late 2006. We expanded our home to include a bedroom and bathroom for him on the first floor [more about my father-in-law in our home here] and then three years later he suffered another minor stroke that left him more dependent than ever where he could no longer be left alone without supervision. My husband and I have been his full time caregiver pretty much every day, around the clock for the last six years. It has been very challenging to provide this kind of around the clock care for an elderly parent-- requiring personal and familial sacrifices and more patience than you can fathom. In that same breath, however, I will say that it has been an honor to have shared the role of care giver to this man who has lived his entire life with immense kindness, generosity and unconditional love towards other people--especially those lucky enough to be counted among his loved ones. He will be greatly missed.

32 comments:

  1. Oh sweetie. I'm so sorry. I know we've talked about this. I'll send you an email soon. But in the meantime, know that I'm thinking of you, Gabe & the girls. If there's anything I can do from the other coast, please let me know. Sending hugs & love.

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  2. So sorry to hear that, Christine. I'll keep your family in my thoughts as you go through this difficult time.

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  3. Oh Christine, my condolences! It sounds just like what happened to my grandfather. Except he lived in the elderly home for almost 20 years. He could only use his left side and was in wheelchair. He got back some of his speech, but it was so difficult for him. Despite this, he was so bright. Always reading newspapers and knowing what was happening around the world. Then he got that second stroke a few years ago and survived even that, but went worse and needed more and more care (and after that he didn't recognize us anymore). He passed away on my second wedding anniversary a little bit over a year ago.

    You did such a marvelous job taking care of your father-in-law. I respect you so much. *hugs*

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  4. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  5. So sorry, Christine - my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Your care and generosity of your father-in-law reminds me that there are angels among us ("They come to you and me in our darkest hours./To show us how to live, to teach us how to give./To guide us with the light of love." - Alabama).

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  6. Christine -- I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember you telling me about him when we met last year. I know what a vital part of your family and daily life he was. This will be a challenging time for you, your husband, and your girls, but I know you will handle it with the strength and grace you showed during his life.

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  7. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family right now.

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  8. I'm so sorry Christine. I have long admired the choices you all made that allowed him to live the end of his life with dignity among his family. I know it was not easy to do. You all will be in my prayers. From your descriptions, it sounds as if he was a wonderful man. May all the great memories bring you peace and joy.

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  9. I'm so sorry for your loss, Christine. My heart goes out to you and your family, but I think he had a great life filled with love and family who cared so much about him that didn't hesitate to help him when he needed it. Not everyone does that, and I'm sure he was happy and grateful, not to mention that it's the type of experience that changes your life forever, in a very positive way. I'm sure the good memories and the love will help you guys go through it.

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  10. Oh, Christine! My sincere condolences to you, your husband and family on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    (((Hugs)))

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  11. Thank you all so much for your sympathy and kind, kind words. It means so much to me knowing you are all thinking of me and my family during this very sad time.

    To be honest, I debated sharing this very personal news here on my blog since grief is one of the most personal and painful journeys we go through, but I'm glad I did. You are all kind and compassionate friends who know just what to say to comfort me in the difficult times as well as in the joyous times. Thank you for that.



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  12. I'm so sorry for your family's loss, Christine. What a wonderful service you were able to provide to your loved one.

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  13. *hugs* I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to help take care of my grandmother for most of my childhood and teenage years so I understand how it is a lot of work and sacrifice but at the same time it's kind of an honor too to watch out for them too. Many hugs, and I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

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  14. Oh Christine, I am so sorry for your loss, and my deepest condolences to you and yours during this time.

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  15. He seemed like an awesome person and the attention, care and love you and your husband had provided for him was a confirmation of what a great person your father-in-law was.

    I wish the best for you and your family during this time. *hugs*

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  16. He seemed like an awesome person and the attention, care and love you and your husband had provided for him was a confirmation of what a great person your father-in-law was.

    I wish the best for you and your family during this time. *hugs*

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  17. My deepest condolences on your loss. Please extend my regards to your husband. I could not imagine what the loss is for him.

    My thoughts are with you and your family. XO

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  18. I'm so sorry for your loss /hugs

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  19. Thank you all so much for the condolences. Each and every one has helped comfort me today. xo

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  20. Dear Christine,
    Having your father in law live with your family is a beautiful act of kindness. A compassionate example to your children. I visit an elderly couple in an assisted living facility and they are depressed about it, their children put them there. When I read your post, it warmed my heart that your elderly father in law was surrounded by his loving family.
    Warm hugs to you and your family.
    Jessica

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  21. Christine, you and your family are in my thoughts.

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  22. I'm so sorry for your loss, Christine - will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

    Li

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  23. Thanks, Jessica and azetclady. We appreciate your kind words and thoughts. xo

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  24. Thank you, Li. I appreciate it.

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  25. My thoughts are with you and your family!

    *hugs*

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  26. Oh, Christine. I am so very sorry for the loss of your Father-in-law. My deepest and sincerest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Hugs to you all.

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  27. Oh, I am sorry to hear that. What a sad start to your year. I recently lost my MIL too so I can relate to how empty it feels suddenly.

    Hugs and condolences to you and your husband!

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  28. Thank you, orannia, Brandy and Nishita. It was a tough week, but your thoughts and kind words help! xo

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  29. My belated condolences, Christine. I was very sorry to hear about your FIL's death :(

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  30. Thank you, nath. My condolences to you, once again, on your Aunt's death. Such a sad time for both of us right now..

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  31. Christine, I just saw this now. I am so sorry for your loss but how amazing the amount of close time you were able to spend with him.
    Hugs to you and your family.

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