A Monday to Crawl Back Into Bed For...

Have you ever had one of those days where you wake up and something feels off??? Well today was mine. Two hours later when my mom called, I knew exactly why she was calling.

My SIL's father passed away this morning. I have known her and her family for the past 28 years. Her sister H, was my best friend from age 12 and into college. Unfortunately we aren't that close anymore, but I still consider her my friend. In high school I was so close to this family that I called her parents "mom" & "dad" and her siblings were like my siblings. D & H also called my parents "mom" & "dad". I am the oldest of 3 and not having a big sister, my SIL became mine in high school. I went to her with lots of stuff. The family joke because I was so close to them was that I would find a way to weasel into the family officially. Well I kind of did when I married Lane. His brother M, was the one that married my SIL D. I have gone to all 4 family weddings. I've been there for graduation parties, Indy 500 parties, parties just for the heck of it and everything in between.

D's parents have always been very generous and I have loved them dearly. Almost as much as my own parents. To know that her dad isn't around anymore just breaks my heart and of course is keeping me in tears. There really aren't any words to say about everything that's happened. He had surgery a few weeks ago and my parents were told yesterday that he was recovering beautifully and the doctor's expected to send him home by the end of the week.

It's kind of funny how as kids we grow up saying, "You're not being fair," and "That's not fair." As parents we're telling our children that life's not fair. How true these words ring. Life isn't fair. Enjoy the here and the now and don't worry about the past or the future. I know that's hard to live by but we have to try.

I'll be away for awhile. There's no doubt we'll be going to Indiana for the funeral. It would be a crime not to. I still can't believe a 63 year old man who gave of himself endlessly not only to his family but also to his community is gone. It's going to be very difficult for a long time.

Peace & Love.

p.s. In the above photo from L - R is the youngest daughter - I, my SIL - D, her SIL - M who married her brother - H in July 2006 (obviously when the photo was taken), mom & dad and middle sister - H.