Dad's Car

It was in November 2002 that my father-in-law passed away. My husband and I had received a phone call from my sister- in-law a couple days before the passing that told us we had to come and stay, that it wouldn't be too much longer and Dad would be gone. Since the whole family was going to be there (9 children and their spouses and grandchildren with their spouses) it was suggested we bring our motor home to sleep in. So we packed up our motor home and went to stay at my father-in-law's house until the end.

After the first day it seemed that this passing could take more than a couple of days so I borrowed my father-in-law's car since we had only brought the motor home and went home to check and make sure everything was ok, pick up the mail and maybe get some sleep. I hadn't slept in almost 48 hours. I figured I would go back in the morning.

I need to explain something about my father-in-law's car. Even though he could not drive it because he was not a well man, he had to have it, just for security purposes he said. He loved this car and would let no one but his daughter drive it. It was kept immaculate and always had a full tank of gas.

My father-in-law had always treated me as if I was his daughter instead of his daughter-in-law. Knowing how he felt about his car I was hesitant to drive it because if something happened I would feel awful. But my mother-in- law said to take the car and enjoy it, that my father-in- law wouldn't mind.

That evening when I arrived home I parked the car out front and made sure it was locked. I went in, showered and decided to cook some dinner. While I was watching the evening news and eating I looked out the front window to my father-in-law's car. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw someone sitting in the front passenger's seat. I got up and went to the door to get a closer look when I noticed it was my father-in-law sitting there staring at me. I could have sworn he said "I love you" but his lips never moved. It was as if I heard his voice in my head. I had heard stories of how people when they die visit a friend or relative so I immediately thought dad had passed away and this was his way of saying goodbye.

I called the house to see if he had passed and was told no he was still with us. I didn't tell them the story of him sitting in his car because I didn't want to upset anyone.

Three hours later my father-in-law passed away. I guess he just wanted to sit in his car one more time before leaving us. I wonder if there is a plane between life and death that allow us to visit loved ones before we leave this earth.