My father-in-law passed away today.
Today was also my birthday.
I’m not sure really what to say about the coinciding of these two events, other than to note that for my wife (and for me as well), July 15th will now mark both the day of my birth and the day of her father’s death.
It may be tempting to find irony in these coinciding events, but quite the contrary. For me, it is another forceful reminder that our lives are always lived on the knife’s edge of possibility, and one of those possibilities is always that our lives will end–perhaps even at this very moment.
365 Simplify 
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Teresea. I appreciate it.
I’m sorry for your family’s loss… and happy birthday. “…and one of those possibilities is always that our lives will end–perhaps even at this very moment.” Sobering and a solid reality check.
Yup–and it’s not a morbid thought, not in my book at least. It’s a forceful reminder that this moment is the moment I have to live.
This moment. Very powerful.
I’m sorry at your wife’s and your loss. I hope the time of gathering and grieving will go well.
Thanks, Rev. I was glad my wife was able to sit with her father as he passed.
Oh, I am, too. I hope the membranes of time, space, and self will be very “thin” for you all in coming days.
I hope his passing was peaceful.
Thanks for your thoughts and concern.
The passing of dear ones is such a learning time. Peer deeply at all thoughts. May your family experience peace in the coming days and weeks as you bid farewell.
Thanks for this. I appreciate it.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
Thanks, Anne.
So sorry for your loss.
I’m reminded of when my step-sister was due to have her second child. She was concerned that her due date was the anniversary of the day my mom died and swore she’d do everything in her power not to have him on that day. As these things go, of course, he arrived on that exact day. She felt bad, but I felt wonderful that we now had something life-affirming to celebrate as well.
Life and death are always intertwined. And I think these coincidences happen to remind us of that.
I hope in time you’ll be able to celebrate both of your lives every July 15.
That’s a wonderful thought, Jen–and I share your hope. It will be an honor to share the day with a remembrance of a good man.
My condolences to your family. I’m sorry that his passing coincided with your birthday. But, I know from experience that one event doesn’t have to eclipse the other. Each can be celebrated and remembered in its own way. Wishing you and your family peace.
Thanks for your kind words.