Thursday, August 1, 2013

My Grandpa

My Grandfather passed way this week at the age of 90.  I've had the unique opportunity these days to be neighbors with my parents as they cared for my grandparents these last few years.  My parents have sacrificed so much, their time, their house, and a lot emotional wear to care for my grandparents.  It's been a blessing to be able to visit, try to serve them in little ways, and be part of the there life.  A couple of examples I want to remember:

For several months I got to cut his hair, I really enjoyed being able to do that for him.

He seemed to enjoy seeing my children when they'd stop by for a visit, to get a cookie, or bring them a treat.  Pearl especially will be able to remember him.

Toward the end he was having a hard time, he wasn't always with it.  The last time I saw him he had just come home from the hospital.  I sat with him talked with him, which was hard for him.  I helped him shave, which he wasn't really up to so I got about 1/3 of the way, but grandma thought it was a good idea.  Then he gave me a hug, probably the biggest bear hug he had ever given me (up to the end he was a surprisingly strong old guy), and he told me he loved me.  Not a bad send off.