A Life Well Done

My father in law passed away Monday.

That night, as I fitfully dozed, I dreamed we were back at the cabin in the mountains, where we had just spent a wonderful family vacation a few weeks ago.  We were all seated at the big dining room table, but he was standing on the porch, the door wide open, the brilliant Eastern Washington sun blazing behind him.

He half turned, looking over his shoulder, and asked his wife, "Did I do okay?"

I woke up crying.

He did so much better than just 'okay'!  He'd met his perfect partner in his wife, and for 41 years their strengths and weaknesses complimented each other as they lived life fully, with many wonderful adventures to their name. He had three sons who are three really good men, and I'm not just saying that because I married one.  His sons are a testament to him and his kindness, his love, his integrity, his urge to learn new things and the need to see what is over the next ridge.  They are good fathers because he showed them how it was done.   His four teenage grandchildren have been blessed to grow up knowing him, listening to his stories, laughing at his jokes, and loving every minute of time spent with him.  His newest grandson, just a few days old, will know him too, because each one of us has memories we treasure, and can't wait to share.

His faith, his words and his deeds touched so many people, all around the world.  

And I, well, I was lucky enough to have been called family.