Another Death in Our Family

The picture is of Greg’s mom and dad with our son 16 years ago this month.

I wanted to let y’all know that our 16 year old son found Greg’s mom, Ann Cassidy (my mother-in-law), in her bed yesterday afternoon after school. He texted me to ask if Grandma was supposed to pick up his younger sister since I was at work.

He said she seemed to be asleep. I asked him to see if she was breathing and to try to wake her up. He couldn’t wake her up and realized that it looked like she had been gone for hours. Greg was on his way back into town from a business trip but wasn’t to his office yet.

Our son was by himself with his Grandma for quite awhile. He called 911 and followed their directions really well. He has never had to face a situation like this before.

Then he was there with a lot of police officers and investigators as they declared the house a possible crime scene and began asking him a lot of questions.

Thankfully, I was able to leave work fairly quickly to go be with him and to help answer questions for the investigators.

Mom Cassidy had not been sick. She had been doing pretty well health-wise. This came as a complete shock. Greg’s dad passed away very suddenly August 4th of this year.

I’m extremely grateful we have been able to help take care of her over the past few months – helping with yard work and shopping and things as her mobility was a bit limited. There are so many blessings! So many things to thank God for.

How thankful we are that she did not seem to suffer. And that she is now in heaven with Jesus and with her husband – whom she missed terribly these past 4 months.

I just read Job last week. And like him, I will continue to praise and thank God in the midst of the storm.

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
    may the name of the Lord be praised. Job 1:21

We will be grieving in the coming days and weeks and months. Especially after the initial shock wears off. And yet, we do not grieve as those who have no hope!

We are not sad for Ann Cassidy. We know exactly where she is and that she is rejoicing with the greatest possible joy right now. I am beyond grateful that she was ready to meet her Savior face-to-face and that she had a very strong faith in the Lord.

I know our family will rally together. I know we will love each other and come together in unity. I know we will support each other and be there for each other.

I know what an incredible outpouring of prayers, love, encouragement, and support the Body of Christ will provide and what a blessing that will be.

I know that we are going to be okay. But for the next week or two, I don’t know how available I will be able to be on my ministry sites. I appreciate your patience and understanding.

I am already thanking and praising God for the blessings that will come from even this shocking experience. I know His timing is perfect. I’m so glad that He is sovereign.

And I look forward to see how He will help us all grow more than ever in our faith and love for Him and our love for each other as a family. I pray that He might be greatly glorified even in the midst of another surprising (to us) death in our family.

Thank you all for your love, encouragement, and prayers. It means so much! I love y’all dearly.

27 comments

  1. I am sorry for your loss. I know God will comfort a d strengthen you and your family during this difficult time. Prayers are going up for all of you.

  2. I am truly sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family at this time.

    I am touched by your words for your MIL…”We know exactly where she is and that she is rejoicing with the greatest possible joy right now. I am beyond grateful that she was ready to meet her Savior face-to-face and that she had a very strong faith in the Lord.”

    It give me such a joy to hear this. I say “AMEN.”

  3. Oh April I am praying for your sweet family. I’m so sorry to hear about your Mother in law. The beautiful memories will be cherished forever.

    May God continue to bless your family
    Love,
    Tina

  4. April, I am so very sorry! What a shock this must be for all of you. I will be praying for th whole family that Jesus will wrap you all in His peace. Love and hugs to you!

  5. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know it will be a difficult time for you and your family but I am encouraged that she is rejoicing with her Savior this Christmas. May the God of all Comforts hold you and your family closely this holiday season.

  6. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I am so sorry that your son had to go through this pain.. I pray and know that the Lord will comfort your hearts. Knowing that Jesus has her does ease the pain..I know the Lord will help your son go through this journey and make him a stronger person..hugs to you all..

  7. Your family is in our prayers. Sure wish we lived closer to be there to comfort you in person. May you be wrapped in the arms of our Lord.

  8. April & Greg, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. My heart aches for your son and I pray that God will ease his mind and provide him with peace about his experience and heal him through and through. Your family’s faith is admirable and I pray that God will shower a blessing of peace, grace, and comfort as your family mourns another loss. May you and yours find moments of joy as y’all remember them both during this Christmas season.

  9. Oh April! I am so sorry. I am sorry your son had to go through this. It is tragic indeed, but God will use it. My son is also 16. My father-in-law died while sitting next to my son on our sofa – and he was 8 years old at the time. It was a very traumatic experience, but God has used it in his life in a powerful way. It was very hard, absolutely, but it has made my son a stronger person and deepened his faith.

    I’m so glad your son has you for parents to help him get through this. We were home when our tragedy occurred. Being alone must have been incredibly difficult. I will be praying for your whole family, and especially your son. I’m going to share this with my son and ask him to be praying as well,

    We love you! ~ Becca

  10. Like everyone here, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for your son, who may have been a bit traumatized by his sad discovery, and especially for your husband Greg, who has lost both parents within a few short months. This is a lot to have to face in so short a time. I know the Lord will comfort you in the coming months.

  11. Oh April, my deepest condolences to you & your family! Very similar to my mother’s passing after my father died months before also. As with your mother-in-law, my mother had no health issues and died of one massive heart attack in her bed at home. We also had to go through the investigation which now happens with any sudden death at home alone. What an ordeal for anyone, most especially a 16 year old! I remember the shock to the entire family and the deep void felt when we become adult orphans. Will be praying for your husband Greg and your family. Sending lots of prayers and big hugs.

  12. Oh April. Condolences to you, your husband and your entire family. I hope your son is ok and the police were gentle with him. big hug from London

  13. I am sorry April for your loss. My deepest condolences to all of you.
    Your son is a very courageous boy.
    May the Lord pour out his graces on you.
    Much love, Ev

  14. Dear April, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you all.

  15. I’m sorry for your family’s loss, April. How wonderful that Greg’s mom knows Jesus and that she is more joyful than ever now that she’s with Him. May our Father comfort each of you and may your family draw closer to God and each other during this time of grieving and holidays. Blessings to you all.

  16. Oh April, must be traumatizing for your son also. It’s sad when loved ones leave, especially so unexpectedly. My condolences to you, your husband and all of your family.

  17. Dear April, Sorry for the loss of your MIL . Your son sounds like he handled himself very maturely. Hugs to you and Greg and the family.

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