To back everything up a bit, Ryan went over to Greg’s apartment a few days ago because we could not get ahold of him. We were very concerned when he was not answering his phone so Ryan drove over to his apartment and knocked on his door. He did not answer.
Ryan then found Greg no longer alive in his apartment and it has since been determined he passed of natural causes. Greg’s health has been a concern for a while now, as Ryan and I have both been to the doctor and in and out of the hospital with him many times. This is something I did not share on the blog, as I wanted to respect my father-in-law’s privacy. (While I tend to overshare my own life, I am immensely protective over the people I love and fully recognize that the health concerns and struggles of my loved ones are not mine to share without permission even if watching people I love go through challenges impacts me deeply.)
When Ryan left for Greg’s apartment we were both scared and filled with the kind of fear and anxiety that churns your stomach and overtakes your body. When the nightmare we imagined was confirmed, we were devastated.
My heart is ripped open for a myriad of reasons. Knowing I won’t hear Greg’s goofy “dad jokes” or watch him light up as he talks about Ryan and our boys or his travel adventures makes everything feel so permanent and so hard. He was always so quick to share the kindest words about our family and repeatedly built us up as individuals and as a family unit.
Knowing what Ryan went through when he found his dad is honestly something I cannot talk about aloud right now. It’s too much and too hard and something no one should ever have to experience. Ryan was truly an incredible son to his father. He is Greg’s only child and navigating next steps following the loss of his dad in such a traumatic way feels like a lot. We are walking through this together and with the love of our friends and family.
We are also remembering Greg.
We are remembering a man with a good heart who loved the outdoors. We are remembering a man whose punctuality could not be beat and who was always quick to chime in with the corniest of the corny jokes that made everyone simultaneously laugh and groan.
We are smiling thinking about the “gifts” he’d give us that he’d find around his apartment or at Publix; some that genuinely ended up being the most useful things we own. (The “emergency” duffle bag he gave us that Ryan kept in his car came in handy a lot! Who knew a rogue silver spoon might be needed on occasion?) We cannot help but feel a squeeze of joy when we picture him with Sadie, the dog he loved who fiercely loved him back.
He never missed reading one of my blog posts and adored the beach, Florida sunshine, family, travel, nature, coffee, hiking, Muay Thai, McDonald’s hot cakes and sausage and extra large bowls of ice cream.
Above all, he adored Ryan.
We will miss our beloved Greg, Granddad and Dad so very, very much.
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I’m so sorry for your loss and am sending huge prayers. I lot my mom last month after watching her suffer from dementia for many years, and the pain of losing a parent really changes you. It’s so hard to parent your own little ones (I have 2 young kids as well) when you’re in the midst of grief like that. I pray that you both give yourself lots of grace to feel all the feels.
Sending your family my deepest condolences. I am so, so, sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing such fond memories of Greg.
So so sorry. How awful. Wrapping our arms around you during this difficult time.
I am so so sorry Julie. I’ve read for years and know how much Greg was apart of your lives. I will be praying for you, Ryan and the boys.
I am so sorry for this loss. Keeping you and Ryan and your family in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I cannot imagine how hard this is. I have read your blogs for years and know how special he was to your family. Thinking of you in this difficult time
What a beautiful tribute to your father-in-law. I am sending you healing thoughts as you all navigate this incredibly heavy and sad time.
I am so sorry for this loss! I hope the amazing memories and love you poured into him provide you with comfort during dark times. I’m sure it’s hard to see the loss experienced by Ryan and your boys. As, a reader it was always clear that you loved spending time with him.
(In the future, if it feels right, do not refrain from mentioning memories of him on the blog in the future- he may not be present but he can always be remembered.)
May he rest in peace, and, his memory live on in your hearts.
So sorry to hear this news. My dad passed away last summer (after a short illness). My kids are 7 and 5 and this book was comforting to them. My Superhero Grandpa https://a.co/d/ebFIjfY
Prayers to you and Ryan and the boys!
Julie, I am so very sorry to read this. I found my dad in my parent’s home in the very same way 6 years ago last month. He had passed away from a heart attack. It was truly devastating…we were very close and the way you describe Greg reminds me of my own dad so much. I know words are just words, but PLEASE know that 6 years removed, time truly does heal…the pain is always there but it changes…and I have learned how to live without constantly remembering that moment. Please reach out if you need anything at all. Praying for peace and comfort beyond all understanding that only comes from Jesus Christ.
I am so sorry to hear this and send love and prayers to you, Ryan and the boys. My father in law passed away unexpectedly 6 years ago and while the grief isn’t as constant or intense, we still feel a void, especially in raising our boys. Never stop remembering the good times and talking about him <3
I’m so, so sorry for the loss of your father in law. What a special role he played for your family. I know you will treasure your memories of him always. You captured such great moments through your camera💙💙💙
I’m so very sorry for your families loss …many prayers for you all 🙏
Oh I am so so very sorry for your loss. I’ve been a reader since the very beginning and I just had tears while I read this. What a beautiful tribute, and obviously such a special person. Sending so much love to your family, and especially for Ryan. I hope he is able to find peace and cope with such a difficult loss and the heartache of having found him. Sending all the love to your family, I am so sorry.
Praying for all of you.
I am so, so sorry to hear this. I have been following your blog for well over a decade now and my heart is breaking for you and Ryan and for your family. Please know your readers are thinking of you and sending you comfort from all across the everywhere.
I am so sorry to hear this!! He sounds like a beautiful soul and wonderful man. You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate through a very difficult time!!
I am so very sad to hear this news.
I too have three boys and lost my Dad, their Papa, a few months ago.
While I am intensely grateful for the time they shared, I can’t help but think about all the living and “growing up” that they won’t get to experience together.
Huge hugs and prayers for your family.
I lost my dad in 2008 and it was also very sudden. Just so very difficult…. Sending prayers to you and your family.
I’m so sorry, Julie and fam. I hope y’all take all the time you need to process this horrific loss.
I’m so very sorry for you and your family’s loss, Julie. Sending you all love and strength and I hope that your joyful memories bring you some comfort during this trying time.
I am so very sorry for your loss. ❤️
Sending so much love to y’all. Losing a parent/parent in law is so so hard. Praying for y’all.
I join everyone else in saying how sorry I am for you and the family for the loss of such a wonderful Dad and grandad. May his memory be a blessing to you. Sending prayers and hugs.
I’m so sorry for Ryan and your family’s loss, Julie.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I had tears in my eyes reading your beautiful tribute. From reading past blog posts, I know how much he was loved by you all and I’m glad he was able to spend his last years in Charlotte with you all and make extra memories together. He will always be missed and loved by you all and your memories will keep him alive and close to your heart. Sending love to you all.
So, so sorry for your loss. Sending you all love and prayers and memories of all the fun and happy times
Sending so many warm thoughts and uplifting prayers your way. I cannot imagine the heartache and grief your family is experiencing right now. The memories are what will help you all navigate this difficult time as you try to find happiness in a time of sorrow, and understanding how to be strong in front of the boys. Big hugs!
So very sorry to hear this. Sending so many prayers as you all go through this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of Ryan, and your entire family.
♥️♥️♥️ sending prayers and love to your family.
Oh I am so sorry! Praying for you and Ryan and the boys. ❤️
Oh Julie and Ryan I am so incredibly sorry for this huge loss. Thank you for sharing a beautiful tribute. I am thinking of you all.
So sorry to hear of this huge loss, Thank you for sharing your life. Many prayers and love
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss! Greg sounds like a lovely man, one who loved his family! No matter how prepared or unprepared we are, death is always a shock, sending prayers and hugs your way , take care!
Heartbreaking for Ryan🥲
Sending prayers and comfort for your family during this difficult time.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. You & your family are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏾
I’m so sorry for you Ryan and the boys. Absolutely devastating news to hear. My heart is with you all.
I am so sorry for your families lost.
Prayers for you all.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I pray for your family and healing, and especially for Ryan. I cannot imagine how he must be feeling, and how you all must be feeling.
Oh my gosh Julie. My heart broke reading this. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father in law! My thoughts are with your whole family and especially Ryan- that must’ve been so shocking and traumatic for him. Love to you all.
I am so sorry for the loss of Greg. I always enjoyed reading your blog posts that he was included in because you could feel his love for Ryan, you and your children. I am praying for you all, especially Ryan during this extremely difficult time.
So very sorry to hear your sad news. How nice that he had moved closer to you and your family in recent years and the boys were able to have so many memories made with him. Very difficult for Ryan. Sending sincere condolences.
Julie
I am so very sorry to learn of Greg’s passing. My heart goes out to Ryan, you, Chase, Ryder, Rhett and all the other family and friends that loved him. I always enjoyed seeing photos of him and hearing different things you guys had done with him. May all the wonderful memories each of you share of Greg help ease the intense grief that you are all experiencing right now.
(HUGS)
I’m so sorry for you & your family’s loss. Your tribute is so kind . I’m sure he’s smilking (& chuckling) as he reads it.
Oh Julie, this was such sad news! I am sorry to hear and very sorry that Ryan had to experience something so difficult as that. Please know I will keep Ryan and all of you who loved him in my prayers in the coming days. Thank you for sharing the news with us and all of the sweet, special pics too. Lots of love to you all ❤️
Julie, Ryan and Family. So very deeply sorry for your loss and the difficult circumstances. Grateful Ryan has you, Julie and your incredible family for support. Ryan, your Dad had such a beautiful smile I pray for you, your Dad and your loved ones💐
I am so very sorry.❤️🙏🏼❤️
So very sorry Julie.
Sending love ❤️