Thanks, everyone. We are all sort of in that numb stage until reality finally sets in. The phone has been ringing all day and I've been trying to pack. Also trying on everything in my closet trying to figure out what I can wear to the funeral, and pressing my hubby's suit pants. Yes, they were together a long time. My sister is 10 years older than me, so my BIL was part of the family for as long as I can remember. They were high school sweethearts. He was a fantastic person; kind and giving, with a huge dose of integrity. They don't make 'em like that anymore. Also, he was a huge Trump supporter! He's probably sitting in God's Waiting Room right now, fuming that he will miss casting his vote in the election!!
I have to share this with the Trump supporters... my sister told me earlier that the night before my BIL died, he was watching Trump's speech. She was going to bed and he said "I'm going to watch the rest of this before I turn in." That was the last thing he ever said to her. We are leaving early in the morning and will drive 800 miles straight through. Not looking forward to that but we have done it many times. We will take turns driving so it won't be too awful. The funeral is at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
We're finally home. It was an exhausting week but the funeral was really nice. My BIL's son-in-law gave the eulogy and my niece played piano for the service. There was a large crowd, with people standing outside in the heat because the church was full. My sister held up well and seems to be OK so far. I'm wondering how she will do living out in the boonies by herself (with just an annoying little dog.) It really feels good to be home.
Beth, This is the first i've read of the passing of your BIL, Sending you and your family heart-felt condolences.