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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Hi Julie, I am so sorry. I have followed you for a long time and I remember thinking that Ryan’s dad had the best smile! I will be thinking of you all during this sad time.❤️
I’m so sorry that your family is having to go through this! It’s such a horrific thing to have to walk through. I’ll be thinking of you guys and praying for you!
I am so very sorry for an incredible loss. My family is keeping yours in our prayers, love and light.
The loss of a parent is life changing. Although it’s the process we all go through, it still is a grief that hits deep. As someone who lost their father that was adored as Ryan’s dad, my heart goes out to your family. May the memories help you through the difficult days ahead as you navigate this journey without him by your side. But he will always be in your heart.
Oh Julie, I am just so sorry. What a terrible thing for Ryan to have to experience. I’m praying for you guys.
I’m so very sorry for the loss all of you are feeling deeply. My mother had a very similar situation with my brother. I’m hoping you all feel God’s loving embrace.
Oh Julie. I am so sorry. Praying for you and Ryan and your boys.
Julie, I am so so sorry for this great loss. I’m praying for your family.
Love,
Emily
Julie, I am so so terribly sorry for this devastating loss.
Praying for peace for Ryan, you, and your dear family. Greg will always be with you guys.
I lost my sister suddenly last September. A book that has kind of changed my life is “Signs: the secret language of the universe” by Laura Lynne Jackson. It may at least provide some peace. Thinking of you guys. Stay strong. ❤️
So very sorry for your loss.
I am so deeply sorry for your families loss, you have now gained an angel in Heaven and you will see him again one day ❤️ praying so hard for Ryan and your whole family.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos and words.
So sorry for your loss. I hope you and Ryan find comfort in small things. For it is small things, like duffel bags and spoons, that bring us the most joy and comfort.
So sorry for your loss. I hope you and Ryan find comfort in small things. For it is small things, like duffel bags and spoons, that bring us the most joy and comfort. Much love!
I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. I always enjoyed seeing Ryan’s dad in your pictures and posts. Please know you, Ryan and your entire family are in my prayers, thoughts and heart.
May God bring you and Ryan and your family peace. And know he is in heaven smiling down. Look for the signs. He will show you he is alright, always look for the signs.
Oh my goodness! I have been reading your blog for many years and often refer to you as my blog friend. My heart hurts for you and Ryan. The loss of a parent is unimaginable and sad. Take care!
So sorry for your loss
Julie I’m so so sorry this happened to you guys. I lost a parent in a sudden traumatic way two years ago- the impact is massive. You guys aren’t alone and are prayed over. I’m so sorry.
I am so sorry for your loss and so sad for your family. I hope the great memories and photos bring you all some comfort.
With so much love for you, Ryan and the boys, through this traumatic and sad time. We’ve loved seeing him appear on the blog, and so grateful that he was able to move closer in these past few years.
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this very sad time.
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s devastating to lose a parent. Lots of peace and love your way
Julie I am so sorry for what you and your family are going through. Praying for strength during this incredibly difficult time. I always thought your father-in-law had such a great smile, and I see the same smile in Ryder.
So very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute ❤️
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. I’m glad to know he moved closer to you guys and was able to spend time close to family. Hope the boys are coping ok. It’s such a difficult thing to understand for little ones. Sending you strength!
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you and your family. Sending big hugs.
Sending prayers of love as you navigate the loss of Greg.
I am so, so sorry to read about Greg’s passing. I’ve been a follower for many years and was shocked to read your post— what a devastating time. Unexpected loss and closing out a family member’s life comes with so many logistics and so much paperwork, so when the time is right, it might be helpful to look into some After Loss Professionals resources. My sister has a lot of free resources on her site (https://sunnycareservices.com/) if that piece of things feels difficult to navigate.
Again, I’m so sorry for you and Ryan and the boys. Please take time to grieve and remember.
Julie, sending you and your family — especially Ryan — love, care and sympathy for something so very difficult. You’re in my prayers, and I’m hoping time heals, but the fond memories remain forever.
Oh Julie, I am so so sorry. I am sending all my love and prayers to you, Ryan and the boys. My heart especially breaks because I know what you are going through.. my husband found his mother the same way Ryan found Greg. It adds an extra, unimaginable layer of heartbreak to something already so devastating. I know you and Ryan have great communication, but please encourage him to open up in the coming months, when most people stop talking about it. My husband had a really hard time and I thought he was ok because time had passed but that’s when the memories would flood the worst. Lifting you all up in prayer in these awful times <3
Oh Courtney, I am so, so sorry you’ve been though this and that your husband lost his mother in a similar way. It’s honestly something that breaks my heart open every time I think about it (which is basically all the time right now). It’s horrible and truly does add another layer to an otherwise devastating, unexpected loss. I’m just not sure where to go from here (and maybe that’s okay right now) and feel awful for Ryan. He said he’ll never get that image out of his head and I just wish so badly I could take that pain and heartbreak away, in addition to the immense sadness that comes with losing his father. If there is anything you or your husband have done that have helped you in the months following your mother-in-law’s death, I’d love any information you might be able to send my way. I’m so sorry you understand this pain so acutely.
Hi Julie- I’m so sorry for your loss and the traumatic circumstances around it. My husband has been through the loss of his sister in a similar way and recently lost his father as well. It’s so hard to feel like you are powerless to help them. I encouraged my husband to talk to a therapist in both situations and it has really helped him process his grief and given him a space that he sort of has to talk about it instead of pretend everything is ok. The logistics of death are also really overwhelming. As much as you can help with things like arrangements, clean outs, estate things and whatnot. Therapy and good distractions like fun things with the kids are what got us through.
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Ryan’s dad. My condolences to your family. I hope you all take comfort in the many wonderful memories you made together. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry Julie. Heartbreaking news. Something similar happened to my mom’s mom, finding her gone at home. Completely life shattering and unexpected. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful memories of Greg – I have followed you since the beginning of PBF and remember all of the wonderful times you had with him. Hugs to you and your family!
Oh Julie, my deepest condolences for you, Ryan, and the boys. How absolutely devastating! You’re in my prayers. Sending hugs.
How heartbreaking. I’m so sorry Ryan and you all are going through this level of greif. Life is messy and difficult at times but I’m so glad you guys have the Lord to get you thru. I am 37 now, lost my Dad 3 years ago, it’s something someone our age, especially with little ones, shouldn’t have to experience. The heart ache will never go away. But thankfully the memories won’t either. Praying for comfort and peace in your family.
Hi Julie, long time blog reader here. I am so very sorry for your family’s profound loss of Greg. I could always tell from your pictures and blog posts that he was very close to you all and very involved in your boys’ lives. I know what a devastating and tremendous loss this is to all of you. My heart breaks for Ryan, for you, and for your sweet boys. This especially hits hard as my own family has been trying to navigate through our own grief after the tragic and unexpected loss of my husband’s brother at 35. To imagine life without our loved ones is hard, but then to experience it firsthand… it’s like a harsh reality that you wish you weren’t in. My sincere condolences for you all on your grief journey and may God be with you every step of the way. ❤️
Oh I’m in tears. I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m praying for consolation, especially for Ryan. How difficult.
I am so sorry about Ryan’s Dad. Your family is in my prayers. Your loss is Heaven’s gain. You will see him again. Greg’s influence will live on in you guys.
Julie, Ryan and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. This is heartbreaking.
Julie, my sympathies are with you and your family.
Julie, I’m so so sorry for your loss and for the added pain Ryan must be feeling right now. Praying for comfort and peace for all of you. I loved reading about him on your blog over the years and how close a relationship he had with your family 🤍
I am so, so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Losing a parent is a loss that you just can’t explain. I pray your father in law passed peacefully. You’ll never get over the loss, but you’ll figure out the new life you are living.
Sending lots of love and prayers. My heart hurts for you guys.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Greg and Sadie in our hearts forever.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss, Julie. That is just horrible news. I am praying for you and your family.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I am so, so sorry for your families loss.
So very sorry for your family’s immense loss
I am so very sorry for your loss.