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Friday, August 15, 2014

Remembering My Father-in-Law

Hello friends,

Thank you for stopping by to catch up with me. So much has happened in the weeks following my last post. The most poignant of all, was the passing of my dear father-in-law.  His influence was so significant in my life, I wanted to share more about this wonderful man, for those of you who didn't know him.

Exactly one month ago today, my father-in-law lost his battle with Glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer, which he had been fighting for nearly two years.  He was and continues to be an inspiration to me, and to so many others. 
Miguel was a passionate man; overflowing with love and pride for his family.  He loved the outdoors.  Fishing and hunting were his favorite pastimes. Sadly, he was diagnosed with cancer in December, 2012, at the age of 56.  He embraced life and lived each day to the fullest.  Never did he dwell in sorrow or feel pity for his circumstance.  He battled on like a soldier, brave and hopeful, even on the darkest of days.  One could always find a smile on his face, and a kind word on his lips.  He was a loving husband, a wonderful father to his three children, a best friend to my husband, an affectionate grandfather, a kind and caring father-in-law to me. Miguel touched the lives of so many people.  He was friendly, funny, hard-working, and always wanting to help anyone in need.  He loved to talk and make new friends.  He laughed and joked with his nurses and caregivers.  He had a genuine spirit and a heart of gold.

I feel his absence daily; in the most mundane situations.  Everything reminds me of him...Foods and desserts he liked to eat, (he certainly wasn't picky), the empty chair beside my mother-in-law when she comes to visit, the absence of that quiet knock on the door when he stopped by for an unexpected visit, not seeing his car pull up in front of the house, our akin passion for gardening, the Rose of Sharon bush he gave me, now almost ready to blossom.  I could go on and on.

Although my father-in-law is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in my heart and in the hearts of all those who loved him.  Till we meet again...




God Looked Around His Garden
God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered "Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.






20 comments:

  1. Dear Rosinda,
    Such Beautiful Words of Love for your Father - In - Law.
    You always treated him like a father and He treated you like a Daughter! The relationship yoy two share was a Blessing for both of you!
    Now in Heaven is watching you and protecting you, Nuno, Anita, Annabel and His entire Family, including myself. We had that good connection of friendship, respect and love for each other. I will always Remember him as THE BEST COMPADRE of all!
    God is now taking care of him, as you said it very well : Until we meet again!!!
    Love you all with all my heart!

    XOXOXO <3

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  2. Dearest friend...so very sorry for your loss. Far too young to be taken, a terrible blow for his loving family. Why these things happen I have no idea...but no more pain and suffering for him, and it sounds as though you all have happy memories to last you through the years. Not the same as having him with you, but I think he will be by all your sides, somewhere, as you continue through life. This post is a great tribute to what sounds like a wonderful man. Thinking if you all with much love xoxo

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    1. Thank you for all your love and support, dear Rachel. Friends like you are such a blessing. xoxo

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  3. Please accept my sympathies at the loss of your father-in-law. You have written an amazing tribute to him. Hugs to you! Nellie

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  4. Sweet sunshine.....what a loving tribute to your father-in-law. Your thoughtful words help us to understand your feelings of loss a bit more. He sounds like a wonderful man in all ways. So sorry that you have to walk through this time. Thank you for sharing with us today. xoxo....Karen

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    1. Thank you, dear Karen, for all your love and support. xoxo

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  5. Oh Rosinda, that's such a sweet remembrance of Nuno's dad. Miguel seems like such a wonderful person who sent clouds of love out to everyone who knew him, like everyone in your family. You're blessed to have each other and to know that you will always live in a bubble of happy family love. I'm sure he's still around you now in spirit and if you notice small little unusual things that occur in surprising ways, I'm sure you'll feel him, still sending you love. I'm glad you all have each other to help you through this sadness. ♥

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    1. Thank you, dear Nancy! Your love and support these past few months have meant so much. Love and hugs. xoxo

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  6. Rosinda, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father-in-law. What a special man he must have been for you to have written such a beautiful tribute to him. God bless you and your family as you grieve his passing. xoxo ♥

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    1. Thank you, sweet Martha Ellen. Blessing and love to you and yours. xoxo

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  7. Oh, sweet Rosinda.... what a lovely tribute to such a kind and loving father-in-law! He was taken much too young....but he left you all with many gifts!
    A part of him lives on in Nuno and the girls...May your dear memories comfort you all as you journey through this difficult time. Sending love and hugs to the entire family! xoxox

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    1. Thank you, dear Sherry, for all your thoughts, prayers, love and support. Love and hugs to you and yours...xoxo

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  8. Dear Rosinda,
    I am sorry to read about the loss of your father in law. Such a wonderful man who loved his family and friends. May you find some peace and comfort in the days ahead and also as you gaze upon your Rose of Sharon bush knowing that it was a gift from him to you for your garden.
    Love from Audrey.

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    1. Thank you, dear Audrey. Any time now, the first bud will blossom. Love and hugs. xoxo

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  9. Oh my goodness Rosinda....what a lovely post and such a wonderful gift to your husband and family to honor your father-in-law in your beautiful blog. I can see Nuno in his eyes. I know that the memories of him will be with you for always.

    Thinking of you with love, Joann xoxo

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    1. Thank you, dear friend. Your love and support mean so much. Love and hugs to you and yours. xoxo

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  10. Rosinda,

    What a beautiful tribute to your Father In Law. I can tell how much you loved him and what he meant to your family. Not a day will go by when he is not with you in your heart. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories he left behind. ♥♥♥

    My prayers are with you and your family, my dear friend ~

    Danielle xo

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  11. Danielle, thank you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. xoxo

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