My mother-in-law is preparing to leave us
 

My mother-in-law (MIL) has had COPD for many years now and she smoked a lot. Several years ago she was started on O2 and she quit smoking, but it was far too late... We've had about 5 years of ups and downs with her COPD but now she's in the final stages, in the hospital, on a ventilator. My father-in-law has a medical background and he knows what's going on. He and my MIL are great people and I really love them. My wife (Beth) and her mother are very close so this is very hard for her, especially at this time of year.

We all had Thanksgiving together and I'm glad we did because she got sick, went to the hospital and was diagnosed with severe pneumonia the Monday after Thanksgiving. We had the whole family together and that's especially significant since she will probably not be with us at Christmas.

I haven't been online too much since we've been busy helping out wherever we can.

Hold your family especially close this Christmas and tell them how you feel about them (if that's a good thing)! We don't have our loved ones forever... at least not here.

I'm sorry to hear that Art:(

You're a good man. Art. While you are taking care of your family don't forget to take care of yourself as well. Karma sent.

Art, you and your family have been through so much lately. Hang in there, man.

Sorry to hear Art.

Sorry to hear, Art. One of my colleagues lost two loved ones over the Thanksgiving weekend. I can see why some people have a hard time at the holidays. My best for a peaceful passing to your MIL.

Sorry Art. Dang.

Prayers sent. Stay strong.

Art, you've been through some bad scheisse. You've always persevered. This too shall pass, you're the rock.

Thanks, guys! We've been through all of this before with my grandfather, but I feel bad for my FIL, as he'll be alone for the 1st time in a long, long time. Beth's family is very close so everyone will miss Pat but we will make it through, just painful at times. Christmas this year will be a challenge!

Praying for you and your family, brother!

John 16:33

Randy

Sorry to hear this. My MIL left us in July and I know this Christmas will be difficult for my wife. My mother is 100 so every time the phone rings my thoughts go to worst case scenario.

"For better or worse in sickness and health" family comes first. Better days will come.

sorry Art..
as always..you will do what's needed ..
do help your FIL as best you can..
he's facing that call..
that no loving husband wants to make..
it will break his heart..but
I'm sure he will do the right thing..

Rika

My son went through a loss of a fellow student at VMI very recently. Jack is a young man, full of the optimism and the coltishness of youth. I wrote the following to him in the hopes it would resonate:

I have also had to deal with death, both in battles and from accidents, of friends of mine.

There is no template or recipe for dealing with the loss. What I found works is staying busy and, when the, “why him and could I have done something…” thoughts creep in, let the thought pass like a wave: acknowledge and then let it wash ashore, done, until the next wave.

You are a fine and good young man.

You are a fine and good man, Art. My best to you.

Sorry Art.We went through this with my dad. It sucks.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Thank you very much, guys! I truly appreciate the "battery recharging" that I get from you and this board...

Sorry to hear this. Know what you are going through as my older Brother is going downhill and fast...

Keeping you and the family in my prayers.

I don't think any of us could have said it better than seahawk. My thoughts are with you my friend, stay strong we are all here for you.

Man, Art, my heart goes out for you. I never have the right words, but I have you and your family in my thoughts.

Carry on. Love is coming to us all.

Sorry to hear. It's a part of life, just not the fun part. It sounds like she's had it pretty good for most of the ride, focus on that.