On Tuesday January 23, we decided it was time to head back to IL once again to be with Peter's family. We arrived Tuesday evening. Art had been in a coma since Saturday afternoon. We spent two days at his bedside, giving our good bye hugs and kisses. On Thursday evening I took the kids over to Amy's house to get some energy out and to watch Amy's kids so she could go visit with Art for awhile. While I was there with all the kids, Rita, Amy, Chris, and Peter were at Art's side as he peacefully took his last breath. Chris asked a friend to come over to Amy's to watch the kids and I joined the family just shortly after his death. I got in the car to head to Peter's parents home, thinking I would burst into tears, and all that came out was, thank you thank you God, thank you. Art had suffered so much since his diagnosis of stage 4 bone cancer in late August. I was grateful he was finally at peace and excited for him as he entered heaven and met Jesus! The tears came, but we all seemed to be so overwhelmed with excitement for Art and relief that he was no longer in pain. On Sunday evening the wake was attended by over 400 people, most waited over an hour and a half, and on Monday morning Peter, Amy, Jeff, and Chris, as well as a few of Art's friends spoke at a beautiful sending off and farewell. Tuesday, Rita wanted to take the kids to the zoo. It was 10 degrees, and the wind chill was below 0. We had a nice time though, and only saw indoor exhibits. It was therapeutic for Rita. She is doing very well, though she misses Art very deeply.