Sunday, September 21, 2008


My father in law, Jerry, lost his battle with Multiple Sclerosis last night... He was diagnosed late in life, at age 60, and quickly lost the use of his legs, so he's been in a nursing home for the last fifteen years. In the last year the disease progressed very aggressively. He lost the use of one arm, then the other... and recently could not swallow. He faced this condition very bravely and with dignity. He moved to hospice care last week and took a sudden turn for the worse.

David took an early flight to Chicago yesterday and was able to be with his dad before the end. Jerry loved Ariel so much... and when he got the photo of Kavanna two weeks ago, he kissed it. We will miss him terribly.

17 comments:

C's Mom said...

I am so sorry. My heart is with your family.

Anonymous said...

Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Dale and Suzanne

Dori's Mommy (Diana) said...

I am sorry for your loss!

Erin said...

David, Nina and Ariel - I am so, so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. Please know that you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers during this time.

Much love, Erin

Anonymous said...

Oh - I'm so truly sorry - it's never easy and my heart goes out to all of you! David's dad looks like such a kind hearted soul - I know the picture of him and Ariel will always be cherished!

Anonymous said...

Dear David, Nina & Ariel -
We sent our heartfelt sympathy to your family. David's father must have been a wonderful man. I'm glad he got to see Kavanna's picture.
All our love,
The Goldhill's

Johnny said...

Sorry for your loss.

Evelyn said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It is always hard to loose a loved one, especially when you want them to hold for a just a bit longer to meet your new addition.

Evelyn

MStebby said...

Nina,
So sorry for your lose. My thoughts are with you and your family.

M(from RQ)

Don and Be said...

We are so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. In some small way, he was able to connect with Kavanna, even if it was only by way of a picture.
Don's dad, who helped to finance our adoption, passed before he ever saw Joanna Mei's referral picture. So, Jerry was one up on Albert.
Blessings to your family at this difficult time.
Don, Be & Joanna Mei

Doreen said...

Sorry for your loss.

Doreen in Montreal single Mom to Faith-Jiangxi & Mia-Sichuan

RamblingMother said...

I am so sorry for your loss!!

chad-roscoe said...

Oh Nina, I am so sorry to hear this and my heart goes out to you all.
Jerry must have felt it was okay to go since you had finaly received your referral.
Big love to you all~
Di and Dave too

Rosie said...

What a lovely man.I am so sorry for your loss.

bb said...

Oh, David, Nina and Aerial, I am so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy. Beth, BiBi and Maxine (and Mok too)

AmyO said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My mom passed away 22 days ago. You're in my thoughts.

kitchu said...

I am so, so sorry. I am late seeing this... my prayers are with you.