Disclosure: Any post may contain links to my shop or affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission from any purchase you make. All opinions about products I use are my own. Read the full disclosure HERE.
With everything going on in the world, I certainly don’t want to contribute more negative news. But, on this blog I’ve always been open about the major losses we’ve faced.
This whole pandemic got a lot more real for us about a month ago when Matt’s parents became sick. After a few weeks of battling Covid-19 at home, Matt’s dad, Doug Johanson, was admitted to the hospital. Doug was on a ventilator for 12 days. Last Thursday, he passed away.
Obviously, we are all devastated. Our kids are having a hard time understanding this loss.
Brian, my 7-year-old, is constantly playing pretend about Corona Virus with his stuffed animals. He asked me the other day if I would hold and comfort one that was sick. I said “yes, of course,” and then playing along with his game, I added “I have it too, so he can’t infect me.” Instantly, Brian dropped his stuffed animal, grabbed my face between his hands, and said in a scared voice “are you really sick?” I quickly wrapped him up in my arms and said that I was not sick, but just playing his game with him. I could feel his tension ease right away.
Yes, this whole worldwide tragedy feels a little too close to home right now.
Matt is busy helping his mom work out the details while she grieves her husband. She seems too young to be a widow. They were going to be celebrating their 50th anniversary soon.
I can’t speak for everyone else’s grief, only my own. I loved and appreciated Matt’s dad so much. He was a great man and taught my husband to be a great man.
After he retired as a pilot and an officer in the Air Force, Doug went on to have a second career later in life as a high school calculus teacher. Doug was nerdy in the best sense of the word. He loved to think about and discuss complicated topics. He enjoyed symbolism and had a great memory for details.
The Johanson family has suffered a lot of loss in the past 16 months. I know we’re not alone. My heart goes out to all those out there suffering right now.
If you see me trying to focus on the positive and post silly things over the next few weeks, like about how I cut my own hair during quarantine last week, just know part of grief is figuring out how to carry on living.
 |  |  |  |  |
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Love and prayers in the days ahead.
Thank you
I’m so sorry for your family’s losses. Thoughts and prayers for you all, Mary.
Thanks so much
Mary, I cannot believe this. I am just sick to hear it. How is his mother’s health ? I am so sorry and I will be praying for comfort for your family.
She is recovering from the virus, thank goodness. Thank you for the prayers.
How devastating. I am so sorry for your huge loss. Praying that God’s peace and strength carry you and your loved ones in the coming weeks and months.
Thank you
I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort during this difficult time. Praying for you and your beautiful family. Kelly
I appreciate that, thank you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am also sorry that your family is having to go through this with the COVID restrictions in place. That adds even more stress and frustration to a family.
Sending prayers and hugs!
Denise
Yes, it has been hard not being able to travel to a funeral right now. Thanks for your thoughts.
I am so sorry for your loss. I completely understand your feelings. We lost my mother in law on March 20 to the Covid-19 virus. We could not travel to where she lived, could not talk with her, etc. It was hard breaking. We hope to have a celebration of life ceremony sometime this summer. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.
I’m so sorry you’ve had to experience this too! It is heart breaking for sure. So many have been affected. I pray for your healing too. I’m so so sorry.
Mary, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. I know that losing Matt’s brother and family so recently has made this loss even greater. I’m pausing right this minute to pray for you all, especially Matt’s mother. May the Lord give you peace, comfort and wonderful memories.
Thank you so much, Suzy. I do believe the prayers are helping!
Hello Mary, I just wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your father-in-law. Hugs to you and your family. Wishing you strength and love. Be safe.❤❤
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.
Dear Mary,
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of Matt’s father. I know
how devastating these last 16 months have been.
The wedding picture really moved me as l was married in 1971, and it could be my picture as a 20 yr old bride!
I live in a golf retirement community in AZ and so far we haven’t heard of anyone sick out of 10,000 residents. However, up the road about 7 miles, an assisted living facility lost 13 residents!
Have your test results returned? Wishing you well.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I’m so glad your community has been kept safe! My daughter and I were never able to get a test, and now we feel better, so we’ll have to wait for antibody testing.
So much love for this amazing Johanson family, and so sad for all the loss you’ve faced. It almost feels unimaginable, and yet life keeps on coming. You manage it all with such grace. Prayers for Matt’s mom and those sweet nieces and nephews of yours. Love you!
Thanks, Brooke, I really appreciate it. These are such weird times for all of us, for sure.