And so one story ends…

Not long after I published yesterday’s blog post, I jumped in my car to run errands for my dad-in-law, Joe. Though I had grocery shopped for him the day before, his caretaker let me know that they were almost out of one crucial item. As I drove down the driveway, I noticed my car was pulling hard to the left. Oh, yes, a flat-as-a-pancake tire. So much for plans. AAA found me (and it only took an hour for them to get here), pumped up the tire and directed me to a repair place a ways up the peninsula. A really nice young man pulled the nail out of the tire, patched it and pumped it up…voila! No new tire needed (well, not yet…time soon to drop money on all new tires)…YES!

Once home, I checked the phone for messages, only to find one from my dad-in-law’s apartment, advising me to come as quickly as I could, timestamped about an hour before. I called and was told that Joe had passed away. Oh, the irony…had my tire not been flat, I would have been there with him when he died. I’m not moping about that, it is just one of those “things must happen for a reason.”

More than sad, I feel nostalgic. I was welcomed into the family’s embrace as a gawky, awkward college student and have grown up, had children and watched them grow bathed in the love of their grands. I celebrate Joe’s life and am so glad I could have been part of his life’s ending chapters.

Very soon, Joe’s ashes will join those of his adored wife, swirling around in the waves just beyond the home they both loved. My morning sunrise photos will soon include echoes of my dear in-laws…a worthy tribute to good folks who lived good long lives.

You were loved, Joe…I am proud to have known you and am glad to have been here with you for the last years of your good life.

RIP, Joe