Those of you who follow me on social media may know that my wife and I have been dealing with a family health crisis in recent weeks: Her father, my father-in-law, went voluntarily into hospice care early this month and passed away last Sunday. He was 91, in full possession of his faculties but in deteriorating health, and he got to spend a final week with his wife, three daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren telling him how much he was loved. It was, as these things go, a good death. That doesn’t make his leaving any easier.
Thank you for sharing your grief and some of the lovely memories you and your family will carry forward.
When we were with my 89 year old Mom in her last week earlier this year, she was unable to speak but clearly comprehending her surroundings and responding to speech. We took a tour of favorite music together - everything from "Sing a long with Mitch" to Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze". I'll never hear Edelweiss again without both tears and a smile.
That was lovely. Thanks for sharing. Even after 12 years I cannot hear frank Sinatra without thinking of my mother. I imagine there will be lots of movies like that for you. All the best to your family I'm this time.
Beautiful, thanks for this. My mother had a stroke recently -- she's doing very well now -- but when she was in rehab for a few weeks, one of the only things that gave her joy was when I'd bring a laptop and watch old movies with her. Because her short-term memory was so compromised, "Singing in the Rain" and other favorites -- which are burned into her memory indelibly -- just thrilled her.
Condolences on the loss of such a mensch. May his memory be a blessing.
Your posts about films for your father-in-law struck a chord; keeping company with my dad, who also died in hospice in Florida (my brother once quipped, when we were talking about him, “Our father, who art in Florida…”), involved multiple viewings of “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Casablanca,” and most of all, “Laura.” Sharing movies was such a gift.
Thank you for this wonderful tribute. As painful as it is, it reminds us that there is no life without death. The goodness in your father-in-law lives on in you and your family. Peace.
Thank you for sharing such a touching and intimate tribute. My parents died over 30 years ago, but I miss them dearly. I am comforted by my memories of them and by the stories they shared. Certain films make me think of them as well...my mother loved Irene Dunne and my father adored Clara Bow.
My first father-in-law spent his last 20 years smoking, drinking Coke and reading at the kitchen table. That was his life. So sad. It is incredible what yours did during his life.
Thank you. You have told beautifully and respectfully a good man's story and passing. This will stay with you all forever. May it be a source of comfort.
Requiem for a Buddha
Lovely tribute Ty! Sending our love and condolences.
What a wonderful tribute, beautifully written. Sending our condolences.
Lovely tribute. And now I have to see that movie.
Thank you for sharing your grief and some of the lovely memories you and your family will carry forward.
When we were with my 89 year old Mom in her last week earlier this year, she was unable to speak but clearly comprehending her surroundings and responding to speech. We took a tour of favorite music together - everything from "Sing a long with Mitch" to Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze". I'll never hear Edelweiss again without both tears and a smile.
That was lovely. Thanks for sharing. Even after 12 years I cannot hear frank Sinatra without thinking of my mother. I imagine there will be lots of movies like that for you. All the best to your family I'm this time.
Beautiful, thanks for this. My mother had a stroke recently -- she's doing very well now -- but when she was in rehab for a few weeks, one of the only things that gave her joy was when I'd bring a laptop and watch old movies with her. Because her short-term memory was so compromised, "Singing in the Rain" and other favorites -- which are burned into her memory indelibly -- just thrilled her.
Great column- a wonderful and moving tribute to a wonderful human being
Thank you Ty for sharing this deeply felt tribute to your dear father-in-law--the quietly wise man. I send you my prayers and condolences. D. Harris
Condolences on the loss of such a mensch. May his memory be a blessing.
Your posts about films for your father-in-law struck a chord; keeping company with my dad, who also died in hospice in Florida (my brother once quipped, when we were talking about him, “Our father, who art in Florida…”), involved multiple viewings of “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Casablanca,” and most of all, “Laura.” Sharing movies was such a gift.
Thank you for this wonderful tribute. As painful as it is, it reminds us that there is no life without death. The goodness in your father-in-law lives on in you and your family. Peace.
Thank you for sharing such a touching and intimate tribute. My parents died over 30 years ago, but I miss them dearly. I am comforted by my memories of them and by the stories they shared. Certain films make me think of them as well...my mother loved Irene Dunne and my father adored Clara Bow.
Such a beautiful tribute, thank you for sharing here--seems like the perfect place! And like others have mentioned, now I must watch the movie!
My first father-in-law spent his last 20 years smoking, drinking Coke and reading at the kitchen table. That was his life. So sad. It is incredible what yours did during his life.
Thank you. You have told beautifully and respectfully a good man's story and passing. This will stay with you all forever. May it be a source of comfort.
Such a heartfelt and loving tribute to your father-in-law. May your memories bring you joy.
Absolutely stunning write-up, Ty. No doubt your father-in-law is somewhere kvelling about his son-in-law too!