On Saturday, I went to visit my father in law in the hospital. He had a stent put in his leg. I feel like I've been visiting hospitals and nursing homes a lot lately and honestly didn't feel like getting out of my jammies on such a cold day when I finally had a day that I could dedicate to cleaning, laundry and working in my Etsy shop. Finally, around 4:00, I worked my way up to the hospital. I parked my car in the visitor's lot at the same time as someone who found a spot right across from me. I looked as he got out of the car and realized that I knew the person. He is someone that is invited to the same party as we are every Christmas Eve. I asked him what brought him to the hospital and he told me that a family member that is part of the group we meet every year at the beach was very sick and was a patient there. His name is "Uncle Walter." He was on the same floor as my father in law (who thankfully is doing very well). After visiting with my FIL, I walked over to the unit that our family friend was on. As I turned the corner, I could see the crowd of people in the waiting room. All people that we spend a week with every year at the beach.
For once, my procrastination was a positive thing. Had I not taken my time to get to the hospital I never would've known about Uncle Walter being there. I never would've been able to try to give some comfort to this group of people that we have come to consider part of our family. I never would've been able to see Uncle Walter and talk to him for what came to be the last time. Uncle Walter passed away at 8 am yesterday morning. He was 82 years old. He leaves behind his wife, Auntie Anne, his children and his grandchildren that loved him more than I think I've ever seen grandchildren love a grandfather. You will be greatly missed, Uncle Walter. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know you and to say goodbye.
Many blessings ~ Wendy
