A Death in the Family

Just after 12am this morning, my father-in-law passed away. My wife was due home from work about 11pm but sent me a text message that she was taking her mom to the hospital to see her dad where he had been for a few days because of kidney and breathing problems. Later, M's sister J called, in tears, asking if I could watch her kids so that she could go to the hospital because they were told that he wouldn't make it throught the night. Of course I said yes. After about an hour or so, J returned to get her kids and said that their dad had passed away. I told her she could leave them here so that they could have some time to themselves. Later, M came home after dropping her mom off at her house.

This is one of those very awkward situations where you want to say something but there is nothing you can say really. We just held each other for a while. After she took a shower and tried to call her uncle who is in Russia. We couldn't get our house phone or our cell phones to call international, so I went out at about 2am and found one and after a bit of trouble and with a lot of help from the operator I make the connection and informed her uncle R and had him call M. I am sure that he will call again today and talk to M's mom. I my wife knows that whatever she needs I will be there for her no matter what.

Meanwhile, we were going to keep N home from school today and J's daughter as well. But, for the first time that I can remember, N got up, got dressed, and was ready for school without me waking her up and getting her ready. It amazed me. Also, S, J's daughter had her shoes on too and they were leaving before I stopped them and told them to stay home.

When my dad died two years ago, the same thougth went through my mind: How do I tell the kids that grandpa had passed away? The boys were too young but N wasn't. Now that she is older I don't know how she will deal with it or the boys. Should I tell them or should M? When my dad died, I was old enough to know what it ment and how it would effect people. They aren't. Well, I guess that I will find out.

Well, this is about all I can write at this moment. I am sure that there will be more later.