For worse...then better...

The husband has been having some hard times lately and it has been really rough for both of us.  I love him and it has been difficult figuring out how I can help him.  I saw this picture this morning and it all fell into place.  This is the worse.  And it will get better. 

Let It Be

One week ago, about this exact time, a wonderful person was taken from this world.  Doug Bangerter was my sister-in-law's husband and I will miss him deeply. 

Doug was a fantastic father and husband.  I have never seen him upset for more than two minutes.  He made friends everywhere he went.  He cared so deeply about his family, that he put them before anything else.  He spent early mornings and late nights at the ice rink because he loved his kids.  He worked two jobs to support his family.  Doug could fix anything and was always tinkering with anything mechanical.  He helped me buy my car, and he helped me with many life lessons in the five short years that I knew him.  

I hope that I can be an example of Doug's sweet spirit now that he has passed.  I want to be there for his family and assist in any possible thing that they could need.  I want to have his care for people.  He was so genuine and took the time to talk and help anyone with anything they needed.  He was such a hard worker.  He made everything fun. 

He opened his heart to me and welcomed me into his family with open arms.  I hope his welcoming on the other side was just as great.  He lived an amazing life and I have no doubt that he is in a better place now.  I can't imagine a world without this wonderful man. There is laughter missing from my world.  My children will be worse off because they didn't know Doug.  I can only hope that he can love them for me before they are mine.  

Goodbye for now, my friend.  I will think of you when I'm camping.   I will think of you at hockey games.  I will think of you when we buy a house that needs fixing.  I will think of your laugh.  I think that is what I will miss the most.  

Five Things

Sometimes all you can do is post five things. These are the five things from my last week that seemed post-worthy. 

1. My sister-in-law's husband had a heart attack a few days ago. They lowered his body temperature to help prevent brain damage.  They eventually raised his temperature, but he still hasn't woken up. Hopefully his brain is just recovering a little more slowly than it should, but it could mean something else entirely. 

2. We put an offer in on a house we really like.  It was a pretty fair offer based on market value, but the house was a bit over priced so it is about $24,000 less than the sellers are asking.  I hope their hearts can be softened for a sweet little couple that really needs a place of their own. 

3.  We did our taxes.  The result was MUCH better than last year and I am definitely thrilled by that.  If only we could justify using our refund as frivolously as we would like to. 

4. I have a Vanilla Coke addiction. It's getting a little ridiculous. I have always been one to say that I didn't understand drinking your calories away.   Well I get it now.  

5. It's almost Valentine's Day and I made a semi-inappropriate card for the husband. I'm quite proud of it. I don't think I have ever been so excited to give a card in all my life. Thank you Pinterest for the inspiration.