A Sad Day. . .

. . . for our family today. My father-in-law passed away suddenly this morning. He had been in declining health for about the past year, but had been somewhat stable for a while. Then this morning, while relaxing in his favorite recliner in his living room, he suddenly lost consciousness and despite all efforts from family members, paramedics and hospital emergency room doctors, he did not make it.

My husband called me at work this morning just hysterical with grief. So I left work and raced to the hospital, but unfortunately, he had already passed before we made it there. They let us go in and see him and it literally broke my heart to watch my husband tell his Daddy good-bye. And even though that was one of the hardest things I've ever had to endure, I was really glad that he got that chance to see his Daddy and tell him how much he loves him and will miss him.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time as they are waiting on some out of town family members to get here before finalizing any plans. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. We are gonna need them during the next few days.

In light of what has happened today, hubby and I have decided not to do the craft show on Saturday. There is just too much going on right now and besides, we weren't completely finished making everything we wanted to take anyway. So all in all, it's not a bad thing. We want to be really prepared for our first show and not feel so rushed trying to complete all our projects.

My father-in-law was an ornery old coot who always told it like it was whether you wanted to hear it or not. You always knew where you stood with him and I had great respect for him. We should all strive to live more like he did. Although he didn't have much education (he was forced to quit school in the first grade to help out on the family farm), he knew right from wrong and he always tried to live life right. He was a hard worker and expected everybody else to be the same way. The stories he could tell! He would have me laughing like crazy every time we visited him. Although he will be greatly missed, we take comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain and is reunited in Heaven with the love of his life, Gaynell. I'm sure they are having the time of their lives catching up on the last nine years right now!

Rest in peace, Poppaw Bowling. We love you!

Until next time. . .