Pete Talkin'

 Clare's four generation picture with Butchy.

 Sammi's four generation picture.

 The month of July brought a fast downhill slide for my father-in-law.  He was doing a lot more sleeping and was confused a lot.  As we met with the hospice nurse she confirmed what I already knew.  The end was coming.  On Tuesday, July 14th, I was working at the mill.  Patrick called and said he was headed over to his Dad's as his breathing had changed.  He was too late.  The change in breathing signaled the end of his life in short order.

We spent some time together as a family at Lolly's.  On Saturday evening we met with Father Mac to plan the funeral service.  Patrick had asked Lolly if he could say a few things on behalf of the family. She agreed.  By the time we were done planning, Patrick was the last to speak before we left the church.  It was awesome!  He talked about things he learned from his dad.  Both spoken and unspoken.  He talked about how Lolly was the Samaritan Pete needed as he neared the end of his mortal life.  When he finished speaking, Father Mac began to clap and the entire church erupted in applause.

Many, many people told Patrick what a wonderful eulogy he gave.  It was very tender and dear.  I think people could relate to everything he talked about.  We gathered at the house following the meal and visited for a few hours.  It was a good day.

 Cami's baptism day.  I love how Pete is so tender patting Cami's hand.  This was something I noticed as he got sicker.  He was more tender.

\Evie loved her Granpa Pete.  She played with him and he responded.  Again is was something I had never seen in all the years I knew him.  What a tender moment!