My father in law is very sick. He’s been sick as long as I have known him really. He had lymphoma and underwent chemo which killed his kidneys and his liver. He needs heart surgery which they won’t give him because he also needs a kidney and a liver. He won’t be getting any of those because he’s too sick. He does dialysis three days a week and he has a speech therapist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist and a nurse all coming to his home.
He’s never been a very affectionate man and never very expressive with his words but yesterday when we went to visit he called my name and said “thanks for coming to visit.” I have always known he loved me and was happy that I chose to marry his son. He called today after I sent a picture of the grandkids via email and said to me in his goodbye on the phone “I love you.” I think that was the first time I have ever had him say that to me.
I don’t know how much longer he is going to be around. I am grateful for all the time we have had with him. I am sad that he is not doing well. I am amazed that he has lived as long as he has. I am happy that he and my son have a connection beyond words. I will miss him when he is gone. He is a good man and it meant a lot for him to say “i love you” today. Sometimes short quick goodbyes are good because you don’t watch a person suffer for a long time but sometimes long drawn out goodbyes are good because you have the time to say everything you ever needed to say.
I love you too Grandaddy.
