A Very Fond Farewell

​My father in law passed away last night. He was 91. I loved that man tremendously. He was an amazing father in law. He accepted me immediately and always treated me with complete love and kindness. I really won the lottery with him.
 
My father in law was a man from another era. He was a proud member of the Elks Club for 70 years, and a previous ruler at that, which was quite the honor. He was still best friends with his 2 buddies from high school, and oh the stories they would tell, especially about their adventures in Alaska. His very favorite place was Alaska. He lived there throughout his young adult life and always traveled back whenever he could. He truly could’ve lived off the grid and been a happy camper- literally! As long as he could fish, camp & hunt. But the thing that always brought him home, was his love for his wife Dorothy. 
 
He adored her the way one hopes to be adored, always telling me how lucky he was. And that was also his attitude about life in general; that he was very lucky, and so life responded in kind.
 
I was given the gift of helping him pass. We spent a lot of time together in a meditative state where we created his heaven. And we spoke of it verbally so he knew all about where he would go. 
 
Dad, while I only knew you for 10 years, you were an extraordinary light in my life. I could listen to your many stories any day, any time. Thanks to you I can say I learned how to fish, although I probably won’t be doing that again, lol. Without you, I would not have my extraordinary husband, and because of you, I have more love in my life than I ever dreamed possible. I knew I was blessed with my family, but you added a whole nother level. 
 
I will miss you giving us all the thumbs up to show how happy you were, and I’ll miss the smile I was greeted with whenever you saw me. I’ll miss our weekly dinners but will think of you whenever I order seafood. I can’t say I’ll have a scotch in your honor, but I will smile whenever I see a bottle.
 
I am so happy that you are now with Dorothy, probably having that scotch, and watching the sunset together. Thank you for all you brought to my life. I love you dearly, and I’m sure you’re smiling at me, saying your usual response to me, “Thank you dear.”
 
The world was a better place because of you. Two thumbs up to you. You will be sorely missed.
 
 
Stanley Calvin Germain, Sept 12, 1927 - Feb 12, 2019