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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Willy, my father-in-law...

...passed away last Friday. He was 90 and had been unwell for months. We loved him dearly and we will greatly miss the phone conversations that shrank the thousands of miles between our two households on an almost daily basis.
He was quite a character, never at a loss for a joke and always willing to offer a helping hand to whomever was in need. He didn't like to dwell on what he felt powerless to change, looked for the silver lining to every storm cloud and usually found it. He was our last surviving parent and the last person on earth who still saw us as kids.
I like to imagine him up in heaven, joking around with like-minded saints and angels, and romping with Noah. Willy and Noah never met in the physical world but they shared the same joie de vivre (zest for life) and the same rambunctiousness. They'll hit it off for sure. That's the only silver lining I can find...

18 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear this terrible news. He and Noah are surely having a great time together! As always I am thinking of you and your family on a daily basis and praying for peace and comfort through this most difficult time. xoxo

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  2. Hello MC, please accept our deepest condolences.
    My first thought when I read your post was that your father-in-law was with Noah and now you have him praying over you and your family too.
    Take care of yourself, stay strong. Our love and prayers are with you and your family always.

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  3. I am so sorry for your loss. As I told you, my dad passed away about a year ago, due to stobborness and not listening to doctors. I loved and respected him unlike anyone I know or will ever know.

    I know you take comfort in the love you were able to share with Willy. You'd be surprised how many people are trapped in a life of no love...received or given... Sounds like Noah will have a new partner in shaking up Heaven! What a happy thought, even in sadness.

    I know my dad is trying to feed my little baby gravy or some other Un-baby-friendly country food (if available in Heaven) :)

    Much love and prayers for the many things you are going through. You gain new respect and love each day.... which is not an easy thing to obtain from me... :)

    Sherri

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  4. Dear MC,
    I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I cannot imagine what you must be going through. You have had an extraordinary amount of loss in a short period of time. I just wanted you to know that I send my sincerest wishes that you and your family find peace and comfort. All my best, Liz

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  5. I havc always heard that things come in 3's. You have had your share now, so lets turn this thiong around. Love & Prayers to you, Dirk and the rest of the family.

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  6. Ogni cosa che Lei scrive è bella signora...e sono belle anche le persone a Lei vicine come questo signore anziano dagli occchi chiari. Seguo tutto ciò che la sua famiglia sta facendo per onorare Noah e tutte le vittime del 14 dicembre. Ho sentito il vostro Presidente ieri ad Hartford e senbra davvero che tutto possa cambiare. Lo auguro a voi tutti, a questo grande paese che è diventato anche il suo paese, lo auguro a noi che pure siamo lontani e a tutto il mondo perchè noi tutti possiamo trovare un senso ad un male così indicibile e conservare la speranza nonostante tutto ... Credo davvero che non dimenticherò mai tutte queste persone, vittime e sopravissuti dell'immane tragedia, non dimenticherò mai Noah, così pieno di vita, così piccolo e meraviglioso. Mi scusi, io non mi so esprimere in inglese anche se ho iniziato a studiarlo per imparare. eppure il mio cuore è vicino a voi, anche da così lontano.... Le mando un caro saluto dall'Italia con i migliori auguri per la sua salute ...

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  7. MC,

    I am so sorry for the sad news of Willy. I am sure he is with Noah now and they are both watching over you. My prayers for you and your family...

    Lizzette

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  8. What a perfect way for Willy and Noah to meet for the first time! I'm sure they're getting along famously. The harmony of their laughter must sound beautiful.

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  9. I'm so sorry for your loss, MC. You've had to face so much in such a short time. We've kept you and your family in our thoughts and will continue to do so. I like to think that Noah and his great-grandfather will have so much to talk about as they finally get to meet one another face to face.

    Many hugs, as always,

    Kim

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  10. I am sure Willy found Noah as soon as he entered those pearly gates. And I am sure he gave him love from you and your family. When my Great Aunt passed away about three months after my sister, we had visited her about three weeks prior. She had cancer in multiple parts of her body so it was only just a matter of time. Nonetheless, when she insisted on making me tea, we had a very sad conversation. She asked me if there was anything I would like her to say to my sister, Kaitlyn. I told her that I would love her to the moon and back, and that she may be in heaven, but she lives in my heart. When she passed, although sad, I knew as soon as she did she had her arms wrapped around my sister and that was so comforting.

    I am very sorry for your loss, and all of the things going on in your life right now MC. May God bless you, and I am sure you will get some signs of Willy and Noah playing tricks on you.
    Hugs,
    Amy

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  11. Dear MC,
    I am sorry to hear of Willy's passing. I had to look up your words "joie de vivre"- what a beautiful saying. I am glad Noah gets to finally meet his great-grandpa.
    Thinking of you and your family always,
    Megan

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    Replies
    1. I agree, I looked it up too....... "Hearty and carefree enjoyment of life" what a wonderful contrast... life lived to it's fullest no matter what your age.

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  12. You're in my thoughts and prayers daily. I am baking on a weekly basis for my family thanks to your good grace, prose and mentoring.

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  13. Dear MC,
    Willy lived his long life fully. Noah was blown away from this world suddenly.
    Each death hurts. I know, my father died 17 year ago on my wedding day...
    But when you make a summary of each life it's nice to 'have a history'
    Noah had no chance to start creating his own story... I hope He knows how famous he became.
    I hope Willy will rest in peace, they both will.
    Always yours
    Alex

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  14. So sorry, MC. I see that same shade of blue in Noah's eyes too! As always, thoughts and prayers are with your family.

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  15. What a wonderful life and gift your Willy has been to you and your family. I imagine he and Noah are together and know it - I am one who thinks we are all together anyway but just don't really know it yet…..I cherish my 81 year old father-in-law as he is the only elder left in our family now too.

    Thanks for sharing and always pointing to life and what we can change :-) Methinks a lot of Willie is in you too!

    Take Care,
    Janet

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  16. Dear MC,

    We're so sorry to hear of your father-in-law's passing. I can see Noah's small hand in his larger one. We are all thinking of you, your family and always of course, Mr Noah. He'll be getting to know Willy now.
    Love,
    Juka & family, Dubai

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  17. Dear MC, today is April 14. Special thoughts flying in for you, Veronique, Lenny and the rest of the family. We hope this date remains fresh in the minds of those in the NRA and government who have the duty to make responsible change. I hope they feel the burden and accept their duty and roles in this.

    The boys heard our neighbour's cat passed away yesterday and I overheard the little one tell the big one that "Clinton" would be with Noah in Heaven now. Had to smile because his tone was so sure. They just know.
    Big hugs
    Julia.

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