It’s possible my dad could not bear to be here without my mom. Or perhaps she could not bear to be, where ever she is, without him.
Dad went on Hospice crisis care Thursday afternoon and quietly departed this life at 3:23 a.m. Saturday with my sister at his side.
After surviving the Great Depression as a child; serving in the army in Germany for two years during the Korean War; fathering and raising five children to adulthood; caring for a disabled daughter for 51 years; providing employment for others through a small business for many years; remaining a loving and faithful spouse for 59 years; participating as a faithful follower of Christ his entire life; surviving prostate cancer for more than 10 years; and enduring the ravages of Alzheimer’s on his cognitive and physical abilities for over five years; Jerry A. Smith is finally at rest. He was an intelligent, responsible, hard-working, loyal, and loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. May he rest in peace.
Christine M. Grote 
I’m sorry again for your loss.I believe they are together and at peace. Sending loving thoughts. ❤
I am so sorry, Christine, for yet another great loss in your life. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings to you and your family. It sounds like your father had a full and worthy life.
Christine,
From the minute I heard of your Mom’s diagnosis and Dad’s continuing decline, I thought they would both pass close together. From what I knew of them, they seemed so bonded in this life. I can’t imagine one going on without the other. What I envision is God welcoming them both with open arms and the words, “well done, faithful servants.” My heart breaks for your loss. Please know you are in my daily prayers. With love, Kim
I am so sorry for your loss Christine — what a very difficult time. Sending hugs your way.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
I’m so sorry, Christine. Lifting you and your family in prayer.
This is very sad. So sorry for your loss.
Blessings to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
I’m so sorry. What a wonderful example of selfless caregiving you have been! May God wrap you in His loving arms and carry you through the days ahead.
Dear Christine … my thoughts and many hugs are with you … what a lovely brief and full tribute to your wonderful father … blessings to all … Hilary
So sorry to hear that your dad passed. I truly believe he wanted to be with your mom and sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
What a great man. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to know him. My thoughts and prayers to all of you! I will miss him.
Christine, my heart breaks for you and your family. I’m sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Thank you for sharing a bit about this special man you called, “Dad.” We need more good men like him; his legacy will live on through your writing and the lives of those who knew him. Sending hugs for all of you as you gather together in remembrance of a life well lived.
I’m so sorry, Christine. I wish I could find the right words.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Christine. It’s not unexpected, given the circumstances. They’re together again, and they’re at peace. Keeping your family in my thoughts.
I’m sorry, Christine. I can only imagine how you feel losing both of your parents in such a short time. Sending prayers up for for you and yours right now.
I truly believe your parents are resting in peace together. So they are immersed in love. I wish you peace.
You left a lovely tribute to your Dad. How wonderful that he didn’t linger for very long – as hard as it is to lose both of them so close together, it’s even harder watching the Alzheimer’s take over and losing him before his body gave up. What a blessing that you & Mark & Carol could help so much these last few years.
Nancy
I believe the reunion in heaven that took place with your parents is the beginning of their eternity together. It is the hope I hold on to.
Why is there no window between earth and heaven? Just a small peep hole to check on loved ones on either side of the final threshold. To see Annie, and now your dear Mom and Dad.
You are in my thoughts, Christine. Remember them with love.
~ Marion
So sorry, Christine. What a long hard road it’s been for you and your family. Peace.
They are together again, condolences to you and your family.
They are together again and I know this brings you some measure of comfort. How heart wrenching for you to have both your parents leave this world so close together. I am holding you in my heart and prayers.
Hello, Christine. Our condolences for your loss and the grief you must have to bear. But we take comfort that our loved ones are not longer suffering. It is difficult to bear witness to the slow but steady decline of such previously vibrant and engaged people. May you find solace in their final rest.
Christine, united in love, united in heaven.. and united for eternity…. you know my friend that they are both at peace together with your sister…
So sad for you all who are left behind to grieve.. but I am so happy for your Mom and Dad… together and whole and at peace…
Sending you my heartfelt sympathies Christine…
Sue x
Christine, I am so very sorry for your loss. I feel as if I know your mom and dad personally from reading about their devotion and love for each other and especially for Annie over the years. My heart is heavy for you but I know that you were such a great daughter and did all within your power for your parents. You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs.
I am so sorry for you loss, Christine.
Oh, Christine, I’m so sorry! I can’t imagine what you must be feeling–though the poem in your next post says so much about that. “Reunion in Heaven” might be a good title for the book about your dad. Now’s not the time to think about that, but please know my heart is with you!
Hugs,
Kathy
Christine, I am so shocked. And somehow grateful for the blessing God gave your dad in reuniting so quickly with your mother. They were always a united force, in caring for each other and Annie. I feel for your losses. Please let me know if there is anything we can do. Perhaps a respite visit to the snowy peaceful beauty of this frozen tundra called Minnesota. We have space and open hearts. We love you and are thinking of you.