My Brother-In-Law Loved Funerals

Then it was suddenly time for his

Now it was his turn for a funeral

Whenever he heard that someone he knew had died, my brother-in-law would go to the funeral if at all possible. He liked visiting with the family of the deceased to let them know of his friendship with the person. He loved hearing the life stories of the people that he had known. He enjoyed paying tribute to a person who had played a role in his life.

Funerals are sad for the living, but they are a celebration of life for the person who passed away. People who speak say good things about the person who died. The family members are able to give praise and honor to someone they loved. It is a chance for family and friends to come together to show gratitude for a person who was important to their lives.

My brother-in-law died this week. It was totally sudden and unexpected. He had chest pains one evening so he was taken to the emergency room by his son-in-law. It was a massive heart attack. He was transported by ambulance to another hospital with a specialty unit for the type of treatment he needed. He was given emergency surgery that night to repair the blockage in an artery of his heart.

Another surgery was needed, but the doctors said his blood pressure was too low to do it at the same time. They expected him to stay in the ICU for a few days until his blood pressure could go up and was stabilized. Then they would do surgery again.

We visited him in the hospital the next day. He was sleepy and groggy from the surgery and the pain pills. He was not able to speak much, but he did acknowledge that we were there. As we were leaving, he said, “Thank you for coming.”

His children were only allowed to stay between the hours of 7 in the morning until 7 in the evening. There could be only two visitors in the room with him during those hours. Then they had to leave the hospital at 7 pm and return the next morning.

That night he had complications. His children, some grandchildren, and a few extended family members arrived at the hospital in the morning. Others were called as they were told that he was not likely to recover. He passed away shortly before noon.

His passing was a total shock. He had been well just a couple of days prior to his death. He had attended a Christmas luncheon for an organization to which he belonged. He had looked good and was able to visit with many friends and family members. That night he went to the hospital. Then less than two days later, he was gone.

Now his family has had to plan his funeral. He would want it to be a joyous occasion. He lived an amazing life and was gone too soon, but he is in a good place. He will be greatly missed.

Death can come when it is unexpected, and it is always sad.