The loss of Eric's Dad

It is 4:00 am and I can't sleep. My heart aches for the pain the family is experiencing right now. Friday night around 8:30 I saw Eric's uncles phone number show up on the caller ID, my heart sank. We knew it would be coming but you are never prepared to actually hear the words.

Last October Eric's dad called to wish Eric a happy birthday and to let him know that he would be going into surgery later that week. A week later we would learn that his dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. The doctor told him he only had 2-3 months. That did not stop Steve. He fought this horrible cancer with everything he had. He put himself through grueling treatments to have extra time. He almost made it a year from when he received his diagnosis. He was only 60, too young.

Every morning and every night he would send a text. He would begin the day thanking God that he woke up to another day and end the day telling everyone how loved they are. A few weeks ago the texts stopped coming, it was getting harder for his dad to see.  The pain was getting worse.

On Friday his uncle sent a text saying the nurses didn't think he would make it through the weekend. Within a few hours he was gone. Eric was away in Charlotte with L for a soccer game, I had to call him at the hotel to tell him. Such a hard call to make.

Now we are waiting for the arrangements to be made but while we wait I have been sitting back and thinking about Steve. What a loving father, grandfather, and husband he was. Times were not always perfect, Eric's parents may not have worked out but he met a wonderful lady who loved him unconditionally. He had his faith and was happy. We are so grateful for that.

This was the last picture I sent to Steve (for Father's Day). He was so proud of Eric and loved seeing all the Bratager kids!