1:20 AM, January 1st, as many were celebrating the New Year, my father, Louis, gave his last breathe. He was a resident at Robings Manor, and was well liked by staff and other residents.
There will be a open coffin, graveside ceremony, Friday, January 3, 2020, at 11 AM. The ceremony will be at Sunset Hills Cemetery, in Glen Carbon.
My father was married once, to my mother, and helped raise 4 children, from birth. While he was not perfect, he provided for us. That union ended, again an imperfect one.
However, he was given another opportunity at love. Esther came with her own baggage, seeking the same, security, safety, and someone willing to love her and her brood.
It wasn't The Brady Bunch, at times more like Shootout at the OK Corral. April of 1978, 3 Lachner kids were joined with 3 Boyer kids thru marriage. Little did any of us know then that we would become family.
Through the years together we fought, sometimes with each other, sometimes for each other. Dad and Elaine were constants for us. They watched us grow, prompted us when needed, and provided a more harsh reminder at times, if I say so.
My stepmom passed September 11, 2015. From that moment, my father changed. His perspective, his very yearning was towards reuniting with his wife, in heaven.
Dad fought multiple battles over the next 4+ years. My sister, Tammy, and my brother in law, Scott, took great care of him after Elaine passed. She was his caretaker, nurse, cook, and overall #1 child.
When dad's health deteriorated to the point he couldn't take care of himself, and he became too much a burden for them, Tammy saw to it that he was placed where he would get adequate care. That place was Robings Manor, in Brighton.
Dad's dry and sarcastic humor soon won him a warm spot in the hearts of the staff. He became increasingly weaker over time, unable to walk without help, and eventually not capable of standing.
He had several increasingly frequent and severe stays in the hospital. His last was for pneumonia. However, while in there, he was diagnosed with gall stones. A further scan found a mass in his bladder. But, dad determined he didn't want to know. It was a matter of time, unbeknownst to us.
Tammy and I talked about dad's condition. He seemed to become more despondent, less interested in conversation, participating in any activities, and also lost his appetite.
I visited him New Year's Eve, sitting with him as he slept for nearly 2 hours. He woke 15-20 minutes before I left, and we spoke. Actually, I did most of the talking. Before I left, dad grabbed my hand and we sat for a few minutes. I told him I loved him, and planned to see him Wednesday. That came much too soon.
Dad has his wish, his biggest desire fulfilled. He is with Elaine. Friday his remains will be buried next to her. But I'm sure she greeted him, "Its about time".
Rest well, Dad.
