Clarence. My Father in law for 43 years and 10 months.  Father of my wonderful husband. Grandfather to my four children. Great grandfather to my eleven grandchildren.  You are loved. 

As I sit back in the recliner holding vigil at your side,I listen for each breath amazed at the strength left to breath again. Eight labored breaths followed by a long, eternal pause of twelve to fifteen seconds.  Will he breath again? And there it is again, holding on to 90 years and seven months of living.  There is no rush. Savor each moment of life as you contemplate passing from it. The time is near.

Your daughter sits in another recliner across the room.  Your three sons are down the hall in a family room each of us trying to rest as we think of you and your influence in our lives. You are loved.

It is nearly 2:30am on Sunday morning at United Hospital as we all keep our quiet vigil. 58.5 hours and counting since you suffered a massive stroke to the left side of your brain. You had been working so hard to overcome a devastating infection in your blood that brought us here. It happened so quietly.  The reality of your life coming to its finish line.

 Your doctors read all the test results and worked to help you.  They helped us to understand what happened. The nurses have attended the vigil.  They have washed you and turned you and kept you comfortable as you sleep peacefully through these last moments.  You are loved.

You received the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.  Many prayers spoken and unspoken.  Anticipating a peaceful death in God’s time. A rosary. A Divine Mercy chaplet. Waiting.  You are loved.

Your two other daughter in laws, your son in law, your thirteen grandchildren and your fourteen great grand children love you.  In Minnesota, Colorado and Arizona, they are keeping vigil too. Each thinking of times spent with you and what you mean to them. You are loved.

Jesus has promised that he has prepared a place for you.  A special room in His holy mansion in heaven just for you.  Your wife, Barbara, your mother, your father, your brother and so many other family members and friends too numerous to name or count are waiting to welcome you. You are loved.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all the saints are waiting to welcome you.  Clarence Thomas Rief, you are loved.