Reflecting on Beautiful Lives at the end of a Sad Week...

What happened this week didn't come unexpectedly.  Although I didn't think it would happen all in the same week.  When it rains, it pours, but after a big rainstorm the Sun and warmth eventually do come out.  I try to keep a positive outlook regardless of what happens in life.  So patience comes into play!

February 14th, my father-in-law Jim Martin passed away after a difficult 7 months following spinal surgery last June.  He was diagnosed with Alzheimers shortly after and never fully recovered from surgery and towards the end passed away from renal failure.  He will be remembered as a sweet sweet soul who was the epitome of kindness and would give anyone, even a stranger the "shirt off his back" if they needed it! Whenever I would call on the phone he would say "there's my favorite daughter in law!"  I was his only daughter in law, but that made it all the sweeter! I'm going to miss hearing those words from him... He will be truly missed by his family and many friends..

February 19th I attended the funeral for a dear man Charles "Chuck" Finch.  He was Marvin Finch's (Founder of RCP Block and Brick) brother and was also RCP's very first employee in 1947.  He lost his 3 year battle with Cancer on February 10 and was coincidentally laid to rest at Glenn Abbey Memorial Park on the same day 12 years after his brother Marvin passed away.  I had the honor of taking their family photos a few months back, it's something I will cherish forever...  Hundreds of Chuck Finch's family and friends were there that day to pay their respects to Rachel his wife,  Karen and Steve, his two children, and many many extended family members.  He was known for his kindness and compassion, not just from his family but by all who knew him.  Chuck Finch will truly be missed by so many...

That evening, I received a call from my mother.  She has been caring for my father's beloved dog LUCY since he passed away July 9, 2000.  She had not been doing well recently and was suffering.  My mother was unable to walk because her feet were so swollen due to Gout, so my sister Wanda and I took her to the vet and were there together with Lucy in my arms as she took her last yawn and went to sleep.  It was a very sad milestone because she was the last bit of our memories with our beloved father Stan.  She was a source of great joy and comfort for him while he was alive and dealing with his own battle with cancer.  She was always there by his side and was his little bit of sunshine constantly. They both had 7 years together and the special bond they shared will be something we will remember and treasure forever..

IN LOVING MEMORY....

James Martin

Charles Finch

Lucy and Dad