Well, I had by cast removed on Thursday so I can finally type like I have always done using the “home key” method!! YEA!!! My little finger is slow to heal, is somewhat swollen and I can’t bend it completely yet, but have hand exercises to do that should help that. I am also still stiff and numb in the one knee but am trying to remember to do those exercises also.
It was a sad week this last week. On Tuesday, our brother-in-law, Lou passed away. We all knew it was coming since Lou was diagnosed about 6-9 months ago. They said it was terminal at that point and were only using efforts to have him last a little longer.
Friday before last we had made tentative plans to go to Milwaukee to see him because Susan communicated that he was getting very weak, quite quickly. But through Mary we found out that Susan did not feel it was a good time to come, so we cancelled any of our plans.
Then on Tuesday, Mary called us with the news that Lou passed away about noon. Both John and Lizzy (their kids) and Susan were with him at the time he passed and it really was quite peaceful. Susan called me on Wednesday and she said “Do you want to hear my Lou story?” We talked for about 45 minutes and she told me how each day was like for Lou the last 5 days or so. It was good we did not go there on Friday or Saturday…Friday was really his last lucid day and his brothers and families were there which made it quite hectic in their household, so I know adding 2 more visitors were not what Susan needed.
Susan is doing pretty good. And as she said we have had so much time to prepare and we knew this was coming. Certainly sad and a shock when it actually happened, but he had started to experience a good amount of pain so it was good that pain was over. As Susan said she is not looking forward to the family gathering because she is not the social one…that was always Lou’s strong point! I told her we would all be there to help her if needed and I know she will be glad that part is past her. She has enjoyed some quiet time, getting the chance to gather her thoughts on moving forward. She hasn’t decided if she will stay in the house or eventually move, but will keep that decision for later. She knows John is in Florida and she is always welcome to visit there and Lizzy is in Chicago and always welcome there. I told her if she feels like traveling to Minnesota she is always welcome at Blaine. 🙂
So the small ceremony will take place Friday, June 27th with a simple graveside ceremony and then a reception following at the country club Lou was a member of for a number of years. We had the fun chance to attend the country club’s Christmas parties a couple of times! Wow, they sure knew how to make delicious food and put on a great holiday party.
Lou, with such a gentle soul and a kind spirit will be greatly missed by all that knew him! It is nice that the pain is done, and all the poking and prodding are over. I know he will watch over all of us and his gentle spirit will always be around!
Take care!
Dandy Ventures 