Monday, September 19, 2011

Saying Goodbye to My Father-In-Law

My father-in-law passed away unexpectedly ten days ago.  We all feel saddened and confused by this sudden change in our lives.
Although he spent most of his life working in an office ... in downtown Chicago ... in a skyscraper ... his heart remained on the prairie of his childhood home in rural South Dakota.
He loved everything about the prairie ... the agriculture ... the animals ... the seasons ... the people ... the expansive sky ... all of it!  On the prairie, Mother Nature is in complete control ... she alone determines the pace by which people live and shapes who they become.
He loved children ... the five he fathered ... and the ten who call him Grandpa.  He treasured their individual personalities and cheered their many "antics"!  He was often the biggest kid amongst them! 

We have spent this week ... in South Dakota ... remembering ... and loving one another.  

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

 "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

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9 comments:

  1. Hillary at HomeSeptember 19, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Oh! I'm so sorry to hear of this loss for your family. I will keepy all of you, and especially Mr. Stavig in prayer.
    Hugs,
    Hillary

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  2. Julie FarnesSeptember 19, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    That was beautiful, Terri. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. AlaskaMoffittsSeptember 19, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    His love of life is so clear in your writing. Sending you a hug and my prayers.

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  4. BarbSeptember 19, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    It's always a hard thing..thinking of you, love to your family.

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  5. AnonymousSeptember 20, 2011 at 5:13 AM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It's hard to lose a parent, no matter what the age. Mary Ellen

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  6. AnonymousSeptember 20, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    I got to know Roger when he moved back to SD. He always brought a smile to my face. I will always think of him whenever I see a Strawberry soda. :) My thoughts and prayers to your family.

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  7. Susan StevensonSeptember 20, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.

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  8. Melisa @ Sweet HomeSeptember 24, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Terri, I am so sorry for your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

    ~Melisa
    Sweet Home Quilt Co.

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  9. AnonymousOctober 17, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    My very belated condolences for your loss, Mrs (and Mr) Dilly-Dally. We've gone through some of the same over the past 3 years here, too. The Ecclesiates 3:1 excerpt has taken om more meaning for us during these years. We have one more grandparent left(my mother), but it is a frightening prospect to realize that soon we will be the oldest generation in our families.

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