My condoleances to you and your family; what a trying time.
Do take care of yourself through this to sustain your health and strength.

Sorry for your loss.
With the ashes, make sure everyone agrees on spreading them.

When you clean out the house, make sure you look before tossing things. You would not believe some of the places my dad used to hide cash. He had cash stashed in his car; where if you took off the back inside trim, it would be shoved almost into the wheel well.

I am sorry to hear this. What a hard (and exhausting!) few days you had! I'm glad your mom is coming to help. My thoughts are with you these next few days. Try to get some rest when you can and take care of you - and hubby.

tina

I'm so, so sorry.

What an interesting way to help comfort the family--the harp playing--and what a wonderful way to bid farewell to your FIL--borrowing from the Native American culture. There's a lot of love cradling you. Also, my deepest sympathies to everyone.

More wishes for comfort and care to you and all of your family. Very nice idea for the harp to be playing.

Jan

Pesky, I am so very sorry for the loss of your FIL. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. (((((Hugs)))))

pesky and family...so sorry to hear your news. I had an odd thought--I remember reading that your FIL wasn't under any medical care toward the end of his life and thinking "like the (at least mythical, not current image of) native americans (or pioneers sometimes) when they knew they were dying...they refused help and went off by themselves." I really got that feeling that he was going to do his life and his end of life his way, more naturally. So I wasn't surprised at all to read your post above. It all fits together, sadly but beautifully.

Sending energies for peace and comfort...

The expected is no less painful. *hug* As I said to another grieving daughter a few days ago, may your memories ease your grief, eventually bringing smiles and even chuckles through your tears.

More and more hospitals are becoming aware of the need for gentle transitions out of this life, with music and Reiki and whatever the family needs past just the standard chaplain-in-the-room (not that there's anything wrong with that, if that's what works for the family in question) and it's wonderful that the hospital where your FIL was could offer those services to the family. I think we can thank the hospice movement for such improvements in end-of-life care, for everyone involved.

A practical note... An option for the ashes when there are differences of opinion on their, um, handling - consider dividing them between the family members who have different needs. If one family member feels very strongly that the ashes should be interred somewhere or even kept in an urn on the mantelpiece, s/he could have a portion of the ashes with which to do so, and the other other portion could be taken to the forest. My father had always spoken out very strongly about having his ashes scattered (when he was feeling serious, he asked that it be over the Atlantic Ocean, when he was feeling goofy it was "tilled into the tomato patch" *chuckle*) but when he died his parents were adamant that the ashes must be interred in the family plot despite his wishes. The best compromise was dividing them up.

So sorry to hear he didn't survive the heart attack, Pesky. I hope it wasn't painful for him. It sounds as if he only has the one daughter at home? That will be so very hard for her. I hope you're close.

How nice for the harp during his passing. Music is a wonder.

Thoughts, prayers, and peace to all of you during such trying times. Remember to take care of yourself (and you won't be able to help others if you don't).

As someone who has just dealt with and is still dealing with the loss of a parent, please accept my condolences.

Please, accept all the help that is offered to you and do not be hesitant to ask for more. You will need it and then some.

That's very sad news Pesky, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. -- Lukki

I'm sorry to hear this news. Sending comforting thoughts your way.

I'm so sorry. Sending hugs and strength so your family can get through the upcoming weeks. Tell Mr Pesky your home decorating friends are so sorry.

Accept all the help you can get - great advice, pbris. It sounds like you are going to need it. Beautiful funeral plans, BTW.

Do not get ripped off at the funeral home!

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. Please take care.

Sending many blessings to you and yours at this time. Keep your energy level up as much as possible, at this time it is so easily depleated....all of you need your rest and meals, take care!
With sympathies to all.

God bless you and your family at this time.

....Jane

My heartfelt sympathy to you, your DH and family. May the warm memories of your FIL strengthen and comfort you all.
Lynn