So my daughters first birthday party was today. We wanted to just do something small with our closest friends and family. Everything was going great and we were looking forward to seeing everyone all together. My husband works overnight so he was sleeping this morning and I was with our kiddos. His brother called. Him twice, and then me twice. I had this feeling that I needed to wake my husband up.

His brother called to say their dad died this morning.

He had diabetes and was on dialysis; his heart appeared to just stop beating while he was in the hospital completing dialysis. He’s been sick and gone home countless times; it was still a shock.

My husband and I have been together over 12 years; since we were 14 & 15. I didn’t have a dad, so I looked up to his as well.

He went over to the hospital while we tried to figure out the party stuff; he insisted we still have the party regardless because our 5 year old also was so excited and he didn’t know yet. My only family is 500 miles away (my grandma and uncle) so I was anxious suddenly trying to clean my house up with my 2 kiddos and pick up the food and finish my cupcakes! I called one of my best friends and she came right over.

Y’all, she washed my dishes. Held my crying baby while I cleaned my toilet real fast. Hugged me when I started to get emotional. She didn’t bat an eye. And then our family friends came over and brought balloons and tea, picked up the catered food for us.

My husband and his mom and brother could not attend the party, so the same folks cleaned literally everything up , took photos for me and just took over helping me take care of all the things. I am so grateful; i don’t have enough words. I would have been completely lost and cancelled it all and just been a blubbering mess. It truly takes a village!!!

Also, his family is calling funeral homes tomorrow. I obviously need to tell my son and I don’t know how to do this; he wasn’t super super close with his Grandpa, but I know it will be very hard for him 😞 any tips or insight is welcome ! Thank you for reading my post ❤️

Photo of my sweet girl today 😍