Yesterday, my father-in-law died. When I awoke this morning and remembered what day it was (because who even knows these days, right?), I realized I had forgotten to write my GTW blog post.
This is not surprising. Yesterday was not a normal day.
My father-in-law was a wonderful man. He and I got along really well. He liked to talk about business, and I have always been an entrepreneur. He loved hearing about my exploits. He once bought me a $5000 industrial sewing machine to both help me and to invest in my handbag business. He read almost all of my books. He was such an avid reader, he accidentally read Twilight, which cracked me up. I’ll never forget seeing that book on my counter with a bookmark in it. “Who’s reading Twilight?” I asked.
“Me,” he said. “It’s kind of a weird book.”
My husband and I could not stop laughing.
I found this picture yesterday of us. We are on a tram together, and I had been telling him all about how bad I was at taking selfies. I’m grinning, because giving Richard a hard time was what everyone did, and he loved it. Which you can tell from the look on his face.
He told me many stories, most about his work as a railroad engineer. He drove trains for some thirty years. I always teased him that he needed to help me with a book about a flying train. He’d always maintain that trains were too heavy to fly. And I’d say, “Not if we attached a blimp!”
Anything to get this man to laugh. His laugh made anyone smile.
Heaven has just become a lot more fun. I will miss him greatly.
Jill, I adore this picture of the two of you. His love for you couldn’t be more clear if it was written on his face. I’m so sorry for your loss, but I’m grateful for what a wonderful Father-In-Law you were blessed with. Hugs, friend!
Thank you, Steph! Sadly, I never took many pictures of him. We’re always taking pics of the kids, you know. So I’m glad I have this one! ❤️
Praying for you, Jill! Losing a loved one is so difficult.
I’ve found so much comfort in certain stories since my grandparents passed. I hope the story of the sewing machine & handbags always comforts and warms your heart, I know it has mine today ❤️
Thank you, Tonya! We have so many stories to find comfort in! ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father-in-law sounds amazing. Seems like you had some great memories with him.
Love and prayers to you and your family.
Thank you! We have so many great memories. 🙂
I’m sorry, Mrs. Williamson. Your father-in-law sounds like a great man.
Yeah, he’s pretty great. I’m sure he’s already been put in charge of something up in heaven. He always has important work to do. 😉
What beautiful memories you have! Thank you for sharing with us, Jill. Our prayers are with you and Brad and the rest of the family as you move through this season.
Thanks, Shan! ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jill. Thank you for sharing this during such a difficult time. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Thank you, Natalie! ❤️
I’m so sorry, Jill! I loved reading your stories about him and am so glad you two were so close. It sounds like you were more of a daughter to him than a daughter in law. He sounds like a wonderful man. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Yes, that’s is how I saw it too. Thank you for your prayers. ❤️
Jill, I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time! Losing a loved one is really hard. Thank you for writing a post even though your world is probably turned even more upside down. Have a blessed day.
Thank you, Adi. ❤️
So sorry, Jill. It must be especially hard not being able to have a normal service for him. He sounds like such a nice man who will be greatly missed by many. At least you do not have to say goodbye forever since you will see him in heaven.
I’m so sorry for you, Jill! I will be praying!
I am sorry to hear of your loss, yet I am overjoyed that you knew such a wonderful man. I will be praying for you and your family.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your father-in-law, Jill. He sounds like he was a great man. That’s such a sweet picture of you and him. I just lost my grandma recently, so I kind of know how you must feel. It’s great to have so many memories of loved ones we’ve lost, isn’t it? I’ll be praying that you and your family will get comfort after this, but won’t ever forget him and the fun times you had with him. ?❤❤
I’m so sorry about his passing, but love what you shared about him. Twilight and the train made me smile.
MB: keturahskorner.blogspot.com
PB: thegirlwhodoesntexist.com
Sending prayers! I feel like this blog has always been here for me when I needed it, whether it be writing advice or just positivity in general, so I want you to know that I’m praying for that some love and positivity to find you. 🙂
I’m sorry for your loss, and I’ll be praying for you and your family.
So sorry for you loss. Praying for you and your family!
I’m so sorry for your loss. This is a lovely tribute to him; he sounds like he was a great man to have the honor of knowing. My heart and thoughts are with you through this difficult time. Let us know if you need anything, be it words or a mental break! The GTW community is here for you <3
I’m so sorry to hear this! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your husband. I know that he and God are both watching over you, and can’t wait for the day that you’ll reunited.