We lost our Father/Father-in-law yesterday. Pawpaw (as the boys called him), had a long hard battle with cancer, diabetes, dialysis, infections and finally heart failure. Though, as I type all those horrible diseases I still can’t believe he is gone. He was a fighter, his body was failing him, but he did want to believe it either. He still pictured himself as that young, robust, strong, 30 year old that could and would do anything necessary to work and provide for his rather large family. 
I’ll never forget the day I first met the whole family (4 boys, 2 girls), I absolutely fell in love with them. That proud look on Pop’s face, he created these wonderful people, provided for them when times were tough and look how great they all turned out (he would say, with a smile). They were his pride and joy.
And, he would be quick to remind you he couldn’t have done it alone, he has a stubborn as a billy goat wife (he meant in the sweetest way) to stand by his side, and boy, did she ever. She was there every single second of everyday he was in the hospital, we would try to get her to go home for the night to rest and take a break, but she wouldn’t leave him. They had a solid marriage, nothing would pull it apart.
As father-in-laws go, I would say I got pretty lucky. He loved me like I was his own. He was my ultimate vegetable gardening mentor. Any question I could have about why a plant was growing or dying, he knew. I just might have to buy a gardening book now, dang. He gave me my first chickens and started my love for them. All things chickens and farm animals in general he knew and loved.
He loved my boys and they loved him. He would light up like a Christmas tree when ever he saw them, any pain or discomfort he was feeling immediately went away (or at least we never saw it). He’d love hearing stories about his little monkeys. And man, do they love going to Pawpaw’s house.
But, one of the best things he ever did in his life is create my husband. How could I not love the man who gave my husband life. But that’s not all, he gave him a stable secure home, advice through out the years (though DT will be the first to admit he might not have always taken his advice), his love for animals, gardening, hard work, big equipment, and family.
Please send a prayer up for our family during this sad time. His funeral arrangements and obituary information is here.
I am truly sorry for your loss. My beloved Grandpa died last month, and I miss him so very much. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Jenna, I absolutely enjoyed reading this post about your FIL! Although this is a tough loss for your family, he sounds to be a very great man that will live on through all of you guys. I had met him a few times on occasions and I know you all will miss him terribly. Prayers to you and your family. 🙂
Jenna,
I am so sorry for your loss, he must have been a very special man, because I can feel your love as you talk about him. You have wonderful memories that will be in your heart forever. You and your family will be in my prayers during this very difficult time.
God Bless and Keep You,
Miz Helen
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your words made me tear up. What a great man!
I am so very sorry for your loss. Words can never come close to soothing your family’s pain, but know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I have to say though, what a blessing to have someone like that in your life, even if only for a short time (any length of time is never enough). It sounds as if he will live on through you and your husband (and family). In thoughts, stories and memories that you will hold dear forever. God bless you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jenna. I just lost my father a little over a month ago, so I know that your family is going through a very difficult time. I hope that your memories of him can help you get through this.
Jenna… I am so sorry. You are certainly in my prayers.
What a lovely tribute to a man who sounds like he was a pleasure to know. I’ll read all of your gardening posts with an extra appreciation for the love that goes into it now.
Just been praying for you and your family. I know from experience that God can get us through things like this. I’ve lost a family member each month, so far this year; the only way I’m making it is through my faith. May God get you all through this very rough time. God Bless You.
I’m sorry for your loss, Sweet Pea. May his memory live eternally.
What a wonderful tribute to your FIL. I am sorry for your loss
I am so sorry for your loss. 🙁 My heart is with you and your family.
Jenna,
i am so so so sorry to hear about your loss. I am sending lots of prayers to you and your family! *hugs*
I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your dear father in law. Your post is a wonderful tribute to his life.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. He sounds like he was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. This was such a lovely tribute to him.
Lots of prayers being sent to you and your family….
What a great & wonderful man! prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Jenna,
I’m so sorry for your loss but I love the memories you shared with us. May those memories give you comfort in your time of loss. Hugs and Prayers,
Joan
My heart breaks as I read your BEAUTIFUL Tribute! You were all lucky to have each other and while his physical body is gone his spirit will be with you always and there is a piece of him in your husband, your boys, your chickens and your garden….. Hugs, Love and prayers to you ALL!