a tribute...

I'm going to be MIA this week. Scott's step dad, Hugo, passed away early Sunday morning. Hugo had been fighting a weakened heart for many years now, but it's still a big loss for Scott's mom, Lila. We were able to go to Cherokee last Thursday through Saturday night to spend some time with Hugo and to say our good-byes.
Hugo lived 82 years and had a very full life. From what I have heard, it took a heart attack 40+ years ago for him to truly appreciate his family, but once he saw the light he became a wonderful father and grandfather. Hugo was there for Scott and I whenever we needed him. I will admit that for the first 2 years of my relationship with Hugo, he was a little "touchy-feely." Everyone knew about it, and we laughed about it. About 3 years ago, Hugo became too weak to do much of anything, but his persistence and perseverance to live his life as he chose was a great inspiration. I was looking for pictures of Hugo last night and became aware that I didn't have a single picture of Weston with "Grandpa Hugo." I about cried. It still makes me sad. Weston has been held by Hugo every time we went to Cherokee. Hugo looked forward to Weston's birth just as much as Lila did. This was the only Grandpa that Weston would have on Scott's side, and we have no proof of them together. It's the most upsetting part of this.
I know that Hugo went onto a better place where his body could finally keep up with his spirit. We're very sorry to see him go, but we're also very relieved that he is finally free of the pain his body caused him.
We will be in Cherokee Tuesday evening through Sunday morning, with a brief Friday in Sioux City for West's first hockey game (planned before all this.) Thank you for your thoughts.