Fishing Again

Grandpa

Grandpa with his grandkids (L to R: Me, Julie, Evan, Jill, Katie)

I have been fortunate live 29 years with all four of my grandparents alive and an active part of my life. Today, my grandpa died around 5 AM. He had a degenerative brain disease and several physical ailments so he had become very sad and very confused over the last few years--it was time for him to go. His two children, my dad and my aunt, and my grandma were with him--and I know he is so much happier in heaven than he has been here the last few weeks. I like to think that my brother got up early (which would be rare!) today and was waiting for him. They've probably already gotten their rods and reels and are out on the lake--although, they'll only be out there for a little while before Grandpa will decide there is work to be done. Grandpa has always valued a good day's work and didn't believe in sitting around very much. Evan will be on the lawnmower by this afternoon! (I know that's silly, but heaven is hard to comprehend--it's easier to think of it in earthly terms and just wait until we get there to see how much better it is!)
Even though he has been barely aware the last few weeks, Grandpa was lucid on Monday night when Mike, Caroline, and I went to visit him in hospice. He had seen Caroline several times before, but was always hesitant to hold her--on Monday night when I held her in front of him for him to look at her, he laughed and reached out to take her. She let him hold her close to his face for a minute before she got restless. He played with her and talked to her several more times that night. I don't think he really know for sure who we were, but he was still able to carry on a normal conversation, and I showed him a picture of Cole, his newest great-grandbaby that was born that day. (Julie, he said he was a "good lookin' fella"!) By yesterday afternoon when I saw him again, he had pretty much gone to sleep for the last time.

Although this video is dark and grainy, it is one of my favorites. You can't see in the video, but Caroline was pretty amused by Grandpa.



Goodbye, Grandpa--we will miss you, but we are so glad your body is well and you are able to work and enjoy the good things again. Take care of Evan!