One of those stories no one could make up. But it happened last night.

[Faygo Kid]

I posted in GD about the unexpected sudden death of my ex-father-in-law last Saturday, and how he had been a warrior for our side - a brilliant professor (one of those) who was an early critic of the Vietnam War and agreed, despite all he had seen over his long and productive life, that W. is the worst president in U.S. history and a clear and present danger. We had remained good friends and in touch since I split up with his daughter 12 years ago, and I traveled out of state to see him (last fall was the last time). Family like that can't end through divorce. My daughter, his granddaughter, called me today. His memorial service was yesterday, and his wife of 60 years who had Alzheimer's and was placed by him with great reluctance in a home last fall - died last night. Also unexpectedly. With her family, some of which had come halfway around the world to be there for their father, having been with her. Now another funeral will be held, but there is a great tenderness to this sadness. Neither knew the other had gone. Family is convinced that she, who had raised so many kids and was brilliant and accomplished in her own right, felt that with everyone about her, it was the right time to go. (She never did want to put anybody to any inconvenience). I know this happens so often, but still it's a beautiful thing - 60 years of marriage and die four days apart without knowing the other had gone. There are worse ways to go, my friends.

[Maddy McCall]

1. What was his discipline?

So sad that you lost both of your family members (and indeed they are, because you share a daughter/granddaughter) in such a short space of time.

:hug:

[Faygo Kid]

5. Russian language and history. Very accomplished. Funny guy.

No, he wasn't a Commie, just a brilliant historian, writer and teacher. Vicious ping-pong and tennis player, great and gentle (if incisive) sense of humor, long-suffering Tigers fan. I shall miss him. Just by the way, my Mom died in 2003. A towering figure of strength, beloved by all. Too long a story for here. Mother-in-law who just died? Raised 7 kids; earned M.A. in Art History, and taught happily in college. I remember way back when, when I first met the family. She and I were close from the get go. From start to finish 30 years later, her coffee was always the strongest of anyone I knew. Man, you could cut it with a knife. God bless 'em all.

[dorktv]

2. God knows when to take people.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. The soul knows

when to go on. And now they are together! Love cannot be kept apart.

[roguevalley]

4. very sweet and touching. they are together. Hugs to you.

[Faygo Kid]

7. You have twice the posts (lots!) but your comment is very appropriate

On your profile: "Thank you, God, for the life we have and forgive us if we don't love it enough." This event was a great reminder for me of the truth of what you say, and you do not have to be religious to understand and live it. Just be human to be reminded of it.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

6. Words from Socrates..

"Be of good hope in the face of death. Believe in this one truth for certain, that no evil can befall a good man (or woman) either in life or death, and that his fate is not a matter of indifference to the Gods." - Socrates

[Faygo Kid]

8. Sweet. Eternal, and cool.

We shouldn't just think of these as sayings; we need to read them and absorb them. Many thanks.