April A Very Long Month

The month of April was spent mostly in the icu of Bryan West (or as most of us refer to it as Old Lincoln General) In a span of 10 days my father-in-law had 4 surgerys on his head. He was collecting fluid and they had to insert tubes to drain the fluid, and then he developed what the doctors called a peel. A sponge like material that absorbed fluid and put pressure on the brain. It was a very rough time for the whole family. On Monday May 4 he lost his battle. Last Friday we had a celebration of life service. It took me all last week to convince my husband to attend and say a few words. My father-in-law touched so many people in so many ways. He believed that any one person could make a difference. He believed that getting involved in one's neighborhood, volunteering, and voting was each person responsibility. He believed that education never stoped when you graduated, whether it was high school, or college. He believed that each person should keep themselves informed on what was happening in the world, and when you went to vote, you should know who and what you were voting for or against. There was no minor elected office in his world. Family dinners were required and each person was allowed to voice their opinon. He welcomed people to the table and included them into the discussions. I was blessed to have known him and been part of his family. I had more respect and love for my father-in-law than I did of my own Dad. I named my first son after him, not my husband, even thought they all carry the same first name. The family has started a fund to be able to provide a scholorship to help someone at Southeast Community College. I think he will smile from whever he his to know he was still helping someone.