Saying goodbye to a great father, grandpa and friend.

Over two weeks ago, heartache hit our family. On the morning of June 9th, Blake's dad Dave passed away in his sleep. A presumed heart attack took a beloved father, grandpa and friend to a better place. It came as such a shock to us all. Just the Friday before, Dave had babysat Caleb as he does every week. That Monday he spent the day fishing with Blake's brother, Luke. And Tuesday he visited his parents at their nursing home before going out to dinner with his wife.
The days following Dave's death were so sad and it was hard to watch Blake and Luke have to plan their dad's funeral. The whole family situation is pretty complex and I am proud that they worked with Dave's wife to create a special celebration of such an important man's life. It has been such a blessing to have Luke so close-just 5 minutes away. Together they are being the support they each need as they grieve. Blake's youngest brother Clarke missed the services due to being deployed in the Navy. He made it back a few hours after the funeral. I just hope he can find the closure he needs now that he is with his brothers.
Blake was really so down and in a dark place for the last two weeks. He has always been such an emotional man and can't ever hide his feelings. It broke my heart to watch him deal with the loss of one of his best friends on top of losing his job. I really felt like there was nothing I could do and completely inadequate as a wife. I wanted so badly to pick up the pieces of his broken heart and put them back together. To hold him and make him see that he would be OK. One of the hardest things for both of us was the fear of Caleb being upset and watching the confusion a 2.5 year old would have being told "Grandpa is gone." Blake couldn't bear seeing Caleb for the first few days or deal with the antics of a whiny toddler. It was hard, but I understand why now. It is so hard to take care of everyone and still be able to grieve yourself. Fortunately, my parents and siblings all helped us with Caleb.
We really didn't know what to expect from Caleb. He is so young to understand death and that his Grandpa will never babysit him again. But he also a pretty good memory and talks all the time. We did not bring Caleb to the visitation or funeral and I am happy with that decision. It would have been to much stress and pain for Blake and probably myself. Caleb has not really asked about Grandpa at all. He sat and just stared at the picture boards I made for the visitation. He said "there's Grandpa," but that was really it. I know he realized life was a little strange for awhile being shuffled here and there and not seeing Blake much, but he really was a trooper through it all. I am sure as time passes it will become easier to talk to Caleb about Dave. Right now it seems like most of his memories are triggered by pictures or us bringing things up. My heart is still so sad for Caleb though. Dave loved Caleb so much and never passed up an opportunity to babysit and spend time with him. Caleb looked forward to watching for Grandpa's blue truck each week, knowing they would spend the day doing whatever Caleb wanted. Dave may have been a little rough around the edges, but his heart melted for my little boy. There is so much Dave never got to do with Caleb. He was looking forward to taking him out on his boat this summer and going fishing. Dave also was thrilled to be expecting his first granddaughter since he had no daughters of his own. Elizabeth will be told the stories about the grandpa she missed having.
Though our hearts were broken, God is faithful and is helping us put the pieces back together. We have been so blessed with friends and family that have prayed for us, provided meals, watched Caleb, and given needed hugs. Both Blake's old coworkers and my work have been great and really supportive as well.