So many emotions at one time!

The scrapbook page I made of Ava with Grandpa Jim for her book.

August 30th marks the 2nd anniversary of my father in laws death.   He is so greatly missed and it is a struggle to keep his memory alive for the kids who were only 4, 2 and 6mos.  That part makes me the saddest!  He was a very loved man with 3 children, 3 step-children and 12 grandchildren.  It is very surreal that someone can be with us one day and gone the next.  It all started on Aug 28th (a friday) evening.  I had to work the next day and since I go in so early we were trying to feed the kids and get them to my parents for the night.  We got a call from my SIL saying there was something wrong with my FIL but she didn't know how serious.  We tried to reach some other family members to figure out if we should rush out or sit tight for more info.  We both tried to stay calm but got more anxious and ran my two oldest to my Mom's and took Ava because I was nursing and didn't want to use up too much liquid gold (breastmilk)!  We got to the hospital and discovered he was unconscious but alive.  They believed he had a massive stroke and he was in his work truck when he was found but we have no idea how long.  Luckily, by the grace of God, he wasn't driving at the time.  He never woke up, he was officially pronounced on that Sunday with his family there but we decided to donate whatever organs could be used and they kept him on life support until the transplant team arrived.  He was able to donate his kidneys and liver!  As a dialysis nurse that knows how important this selfless act is...well I was thrilled!  My brother was also an organ donor and I pray he saved lives as well.  This was definitely the silver lining for us.  My MIL still finds such great peace with this and communicates with the recipients occasionally.  I have been through some tragic losses in my life and it never gets easier or I guess I never understand why.  I think the only answer that gives me peace is that they are at peace and that my life has been so enriched by what they taught me and by how much they loved me.  I guess that's what I'll tell my kids...

Grandpa making Ava laugh just a month before he passed.

Another lesson learned is to take TOO many photos because I wish I had more of Grandpa Martin and my kiddos!

Posted by Heather Brewer Hill