July 2, 2008

On Wed. July 2nd, my wonderful grandfather, and Sophie's great grandfather, Howard W. MacDougall, passed away after a long struggle with illness. We are incredibly and overwhelmingly sad and missing him so very much already. Grandpop MacDougall was a truly unique and amazing man - a wonderful husband, an excellent father and an even more special and wonderful grandfather. Sadly, he has been battling a very serious illness, spinal cerebellar ataxia, for many years now and so while we all are missing him more than words can possibly describe, he is not suffering anymore and there is some peace in knowing that his long brave battle is finally over. This week, our MacDougall family will gather in New Jersey for services and many family members will be meeting Sophia for the very first time. There is some small solace in knowing that she will get to meet her great grandmother and her great aunts and uncles and second cousins that might not have seen her for some time now. I last saw my grandfather in December when we flew out for the holidays. He was so excited for us that we were expecting his first great grandchild. I wish that he and Sophie could have met here on this earth but they will meet again someday. What I will always remember most about Grandpop is his amazing laugh, full and hearty, and the twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes. I miss you so much Grandpop. You are always in our hearts...

Here is a link to an article written about him by a reporter for The Post and Courier newspaper in South Carolina.

Grandmom and Grandpop MacDougall at our wedding in October 2005

Jim and I with Grandmom and Grandpop at our visit to Arizona in Dec. 2004

The MacDougall Family in the hospital with Grandpop on Christmas Day 2007