Jack Henry Schwatken

Mary Jane, Jack and baby Jack 2009

It happened.  The dreaded phone call came on Monday morning from Adam's Dad. "Grandpa's not doing well, the nursing home staff says the family needs to gather."  The rush of emotions, conflicting and confusing emotions that are hard to explain. Sadness that someone we love and admire is passing, relief that he is about to be freed from a life of pureed food, wheelchairs, and the stench of the nursing home. Sad that the last 9 months of his life were something he never wanted, wishing he hadn't fallen last year and suffered a brain injury, wishing once again that the clock of life and time itself could just hold on a minute.  But time will never 'hold on just a minute', and before we could even get out the door we received the second phone call "Grandpa is gone, he passed away." No emotional goodbyes, no dramatic kiss to the forehead and asking him to save room for us in Heaven.  But maybe this too was a blessing in disguise, he passed peacefully with his long time love at his side.

We traveled down on Monday and spent the afternoon with Adam's family, attempting to comfort and show our support to Grandma. But how do you comfort a woman who has lost her partner of 60 some odd years?  The only comfort is in knowing that Grandpa is with the Lord. That his pain and discomfort are gone, and she WILL be with him again in eternity.
We are so thankful for the long, healthy, and happy life that Grandpa lead. I am so thankful for his son, Ron, my father-in-law, and his grandson, Adam.  Thank you Jack Henry Schwatken for raising an amazing family, and for letting me into the Schwatken Family with open arms.  I hope our little Jack Wilder Schwatken will carry on your name well. May you be honored by his life, and watch over him from above.
Good Bye Jack, until we meet again.
Love
Kelly
p.s. and save room for me in Heaven. and tell God good things about me :)

Thanksgiving 2009

New Years 2012

May 2012