I've been contemplating this post for awhile now, not knowing exactly how to start. My father-in-law passed away earlier this month. This has left us all in somewhat of a state of shock. He was sick for a week with what we thought was a virus. Other than bad knees and shaky hands, he seemed very healthy. All we know so far is that it was heart related.
We live on a ten acre farm. Everywhere I look, I see his handiwork. He had a house and shop built here. He planted trees and put in a garden spot. He dug trenches for the pond and for our sump pump when it started flooding the middle of our yard. There's the liar's bench and picnic tables he built. He fixed our pumps and cars and plumbing. He and Armin fixed up the barn for the chickens with doors and nesting boxes and a place to roost. He was often mowing, and afterwards I would take him a glass of water and we would talk awhile. He took care of us.
He had a sense of humor and was known by all for pulling pranks. One could write chapters about his pranks alone. Someone mentioned that he always had a smile for them, which I didn't even realize before. He served in the Navy during the Korean conflict. He was a pipe fitter, trap shooter, hunter and fisherman. He had a full and a happy life, and lived to be 78 years old.
We try to be strong for Nori. They did so much together. She decided to get a little puppy for security and companionship. I think that was a marvelous idea. Thanksgiving came just two weeks after he died. Grandkids and great-grandkids came for a few days, which was a blessing. The holiday was spent getting to know two little ones we had never met. It was good to have a house full of people and to stay busy.
Bob was a man with a good heart. He spent a lot of his time helping others. He never said an unkind word when he pulled my car out of the ditch with his tractor. I have no doubt we will meet again someday. When it's my turn to leave this mortal existence, I'm sure he will be there to greet me.
Somewhat later we learned Bob had a heart attack brought on by hardening of the arteries.
