Unfortunately, it got worse.

At about 6PM Tuesday 7/19/11, my mother in law had a stroke.  To the best of our knowledge, she is hanging on in intensive care.  If my mother in law Grace is going to pass, I just hope and pray she does not die today.  Today is my wife's birthday.

My mother in law is a very knowledgeable woman, and has historically not been afraid to let everyone know that fact.  In contradiction with all the mother in law jokes, Grace was always very kind to me and helpful to others.

As time passed, Grace became more infirm and Lin had to do more and more to help.  Lin and I do get few moments together.  Health aides being a no show is a current infuriating frustration for my wife.

Grace passing is inevitable, but today someone's insensitivity got to me.  I'm trying to be positive, but this guy made me physically ill.

I am a union rep.  A fellow rep and I were talking at the end of the day, when he commented "Dave, what are you going to get for your wife for her birthday?  A dead father?  How about a coffin for everyone thats died this week?"

Am I being too sensitive?  I know the guy was trying to lighten the mood, but Jesus.  At the end of all that, he rolled his eyes and sarcastically said "I guess if you don't show up tomorrow, I guess I know what happened."

 Bleah.