Popular Post Teresa in MO Posted September 19, 2016 Popular Post Share Posted September 19, 2016 I wanted to share this memorial of my dh that my son-in-law posted on his Facebook page. My father-in-law was a serious man of constant faith and unparalleled commitment to his family. He told me about how he used to work two back-to-back jobs when he was younger to support his growing family. My mother-in-law would pack him two paper sacks for his day. One was for his lunch break at a local car maintenance shop and another for dinner when he drove across town to work nights at another shop. After a 14 hour day, he would wake up and do it again. When the family house got too small to contain 10 kids on a single floor with one bathroom, he decided that his house needed a second story. Using his built up time off work from never taking a vacation, he decided (against all shocked looks of "are you insane") to do 100% of the work by himself. Sometimes he worked over 24 hours straight to be ready for inspections and finish on his self-imposed deadline. I would have thought these two stories were apocryphal had I not witnessed his indefatigable work ethic when he volunteered to help when Jennifer and I built our new home. He took time off work to help me put in laminate flooring so we could save a little money. When he would come to visit, he would always be prepared for our next project. I would get off work on a Friday evening expecting the project to start first thing on Saturday, only to find he had left from home earlier than expected and was already half-way finished with that weekend's project. He was the kind of man that reminded me that virtue and virility have the same Latin word right there at the beginning. The virtue that he inspired was unquestionably masculine and paternal in the proper sense -- every day he took up the cross of sacrifice as a husband and father. There was nothing soft about him, yet I witnessed tender moments when he kissed his grandkids or used his special hum to get each of the babies to sleep. He once told me of a remark made by the doctor after his wife of then 25 years had just delivered their 10th and last child. The doctor had thought that after 10 kids some of the joy, wonder and expressions of love might be gone, but no -- that doctor was shocked to find the same face of awe and wonder that a new dad might have on this the new old dad of 10 kids. Our last conversation was about how he had found a place near a job he was working for us to get matching garden statues of the Blessed Virgin. He was going to buy them both (over my protest) for the simple task of helping him get his office computer setup for the company he had started. He handled the highly complex process of testing and controlling air flow and quality at local hospitals. I think he had used that reason three or four times over. The nearby job site turned out to be the place where he would unexpectedly collapse earlier this week. I know my father-in-law would prefer to remain in obscurity. He was a simple man who didn't ask for recognition or credit. I got the sense that sometimes it was hard for him to accept a thank you, when, for my part, I was constantly worried at how inadequate paying in only words had been. He may hate that I posted about him after his death, but his story deserves to be known. It is the story of a simple man who sanctified his life through an unflinching commitment to his true vocation -- his calling by God to be the husband for 38 years and the father of my wife Jennifer and a role model for me. Requiescat in pace. 87 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoJosMom Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing it. Again, my condolences on your terrible loss. May you feel Christ's presence and peace during this hard time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 What a beautiful tribute. So sorry for your loss. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Your husband sounds like a real fine gentleman. I am sorry for your loss. I hope you are finding some comfort in your family and friends. :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Thank you for sharing that beautiful tribute. :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 What a lovely memorial to someone who sounds like a fantastic husband and father. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashfern Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 :grouphug: He sounds like a lovely man. So sorry for your loss. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjeepa Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Thank you for sharing this loving tribute! What a remarkable man! So sorry for your loss :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nd293 Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Do print this out and keep it for each of your children. I have a copy of the eulogy given for my great-grandfather (who died long before I was born) by my his son, my mother's uncle, and it is moving and inspiring to read. It reminds me that how we live and how we are remembered matter. Memory is powerful. You must be very proud of your husband. I'm very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idnib Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 I'm sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful memorial. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Thank you so much for sharing that. I am so sorry for your family's loss of such a good, good man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Very sweet. I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsRobinson Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomsintheGarden Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 That is beautiful. Your dear husband has both helped and inspired future generations in a wonderful way. Blessings and peace to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 I am so touched by this beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing. :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithr Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 What a beautiful testament! Wow, how much he must have blessed you and his family. I am so sorry for you loss but I rejoice in the fact that you had such a wonderful husband and father to your children. May God send you solace and strength. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 What a lovely tribute to your husband. My sympathies, Teresa, to you and your family. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Stunning! May his memory be eternal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 This is a lovely, lovely tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrissiK Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 That is a beautiful tribute! I am so sorry for your loss! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 That is incredibly touching, Teresa! How wonderful that your husband was that kind of man, and what a blessing to have such a precious son-in-law! Continuing to pray for you... :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amira Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 :grouphug: Thank you for sharing that. It was beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 When you read such a tribute it makes you wish you had known the man who inspired it. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute of your dh. He sounds like an amazing man. My deepest condolences for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute. May the Lord guide you all and give you peace and strength in this difficult time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 What a fine man. It sounds like he touched a lot of lives, and memories of him will continue to do that too. Thank you for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Thank you for sharing his tribute. I'm truly sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 What a beautiful tribute to a great man. Thank you for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 What a lovely eulogy. May his memory be eternal! Prayers for you during this very difficult time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Very well spoken, so good that he is able to express a glimpse of how he cherished his fil. My condolences to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barnwife Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 What a beautiful tribute.You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 That was beautiful. He sounds like a wonderful man. I'm so sorry, Teresa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthwestMom Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 I loved learning about your DH. He was amazing and it sounds like he is an inspiration and role model - what a life well-lived! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Peace be with you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 That's beautiful, thank you for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 He sounds like an amazing man, Teresa. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 :crying: :grouphug: He sounds like he was a wonderful husband and father. It must leave such a big gap. Your son-in-law's tribute is beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom25girls Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 What a lovely tribute. Your husband was truly an amazing man. Thank you for sharing with us. Praying that you are surrounded by family and friends. Hugs and more hugs and continued prayers sent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 May his memory be eternal and his rest with the saints. (((to all who love and mourn their loss))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Oh, this made me cry. What an incredible tribute. May supernatural peace and sustaining be with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mominco Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 :crying: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny_Weatherwax Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 :grouphug: :crying: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 What a lovely tribute. May his memory be eternal. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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