When life does a priority interrupt

The past six months have been difficult. As some of you know, my father is dying. I don't talk about it a lot (heck, I haven't been talking about anything a lot recently), but he is at the hospice stage now, so it is only a matter of time. The whole experience has been very tough on my mom as well. They've been married fifty-three years, so it is emotionally rough even imagining him gone, but the care giving role also takes a great toll. I have a brother who is a nurse who lives near them, and he's been a great help.

In any case, I've been working with clients on custom work, and working on new releases of all three major product lines (CoexLinks, CoexEdit and Midas), but haven't felt right about releasing anything major when I have been so distracted. As things are settling down some with my dad (he doesn't leave his bed much), I am going to try to get these out so that customers can take advantage of some of the cool new features. More about that later, though. For now, I just wanted you to know that I am here and alive, despite my near total silence.

For those who want the quick family catch up, my wife is working as an aide and tutor at the elementary school across the street (an enviable commute) and absolutely loving it. She started on a volunteer basis, but they insisted on hiring once she started working with multiple classes. My daughter is high up on Obama's digital team working on the 2012 campaign (read: no sleep, bad food, amazing opportunities). Hard to believe the level she has reached by 25... unless you know her. My older son is graduating from the University of Chicago in three weeks, after which he hopes to take the summer off doing "some grunt work" in Washington, DC. My younger son is finishing up junior year, having taken Russian, Greek and Latin along with slews of other horribly difficult courses that make my brain hurt. College, and thus empty-nesting for us, looms. 

What has been said:

1011.1. Keith Brooks (05/14/2012 02:40 PM)

Ben, Sorry to hear about your dad. Spend the time with him, that's more important.

Great to hear the kids are doing what they love.

1011.2. Ben Langhinrichs (05/14/2012 03:34 PM)

Thanks, Keith.

1011.3. John Lindsay (14/05/2012 15:48)

Yes - sorry to hear this Ben. I agree with Keith - spend as much time with your Dad as you can.

1011.4. Howard (05/14/2012 03:53 PM)

Ben, best wishes through these very difficult times with your Dad.

Howard

1011.5. Stuart McIntyre (05/14/2012 04:04 PM)

Take care, Ben. Thinking of you and your Dad.

1011.6. John Head (05/14/2012 04:46 PM)

Ben - having been thru this last year, I understand what this time is like. I am not sure what is worse - having it be a surprise and happen as a shock or over a long period of time. Cherish the time you can with him and remember the good times. Prayers for you, your Dad, and your entire family.

1011.7. Chris Blatnick (05/14/2012 05:13 PM)

Ben...so sorry to hear this. Best wishes to you and your family. If you need anything, reach out...I don't live that far away.

1011.8. Greg Walrath (05/14/2012 05:37 PM)

Ben - sorry to hear about your father, I'm sure you and yours will pull through. My own father died suddenly last week, and I'm in Reno now with my mother helping her get things straightened out. They were married for 51 years.

Sounds like your kids are doing great things and there are exciting times ahead at the Langhinrichs household.

1011.9. Richard Schwartz (05/14/2012 06:18 PM)

Ben - Sorry to hear that you've been through such a trying time lately, but it's good to hear from you, and good to know that there is so much good going on along with the bad.

1011.10. Ben Poole (05/14/2012 08:00 PM)

Ben, so sorry to hear about your father, but what amazing things your kids are doing too For all us dads that must be some consolation in very trying times. Sending you and your family my very best.

1011.11. Ben Langhinrichs (05/14/2012 08:31 PM)

Thank you all. Your support means a lot to me.

Greg, I'm truly sorry about the loss of your father. I wish you well settling his affairs and helping your mother through.

1011.12. Joyce Davis (05/14/2012 10:50 PM)

Hi Ben - I'm so sorry. My parents were married for 54 years when Dad passed last November after battling cancer for 8.5 years and being in hospice for 3 weeks. It was tough on everyone, but we're getting by, thanks to all the support and prayers we received. So, along with the rest of the huge community who care for you, I share my support and prayers with you now. Take care.

1011.13. Richard Shergold (15/05/2012 08:40)

Hang in there Ben. Sorry to hear about your Dad. Your kids sound amazing, I bet your Dad is a very proud and fulfilled Grandfather.

1011.14. Matt Cook (05/15/2012 04:26 PM)

Peace be with you and your family.