Saturday May 14th 2011 at about 7:30am I received a phone call from my sister, who was supposed to be coming to visit us for the weekend. She had terrible news that our grandpa had passed away at 3am that morning. He battled several cancers and was going thru strong chemo. He had stopped breathing and the ambulance was called, he was resesitated at home and taken to the hospital, but didn't make it much longer. He had been thru so much over the last few years, I think he was just tired and ready to go home to God. I know he is not in any pain now and is happy and healthy.
This is the last picture I have of him. This was over Spring Break this year just before we left from our visit to go home. I am SO glad James made sure that we got over to see him, we almost didn't go, but James told me that we needed to go because he was sick and we didn't know the next time we would get up that way and what might happen between that time. This was his first time seeing Mia.
Grandpa loved to camp and fish. He enjoyed bowling and baking. He made the BEST peanut butter fudge, banana, zucchini and wine breads, cookies and all kind of other yummy treats. He always made a bunch of goodies around Christmas time. He was never judgmental, always kind.
I wish I had spent more time with him and gotten to know him better. I wish I had more memories with him as a child AND an adult. I have a few camping memories and I remember the sweet smell of his pipe. I remember several Christmases with him, but other than that, I don't remember much. I am so sad my children will not get to have any memories with their grandpa. They have been camping with him one or two times, but they are too young to remember.
I remember one of the last things he said to James and I was to make sure we take care of our kids, and that they were beautiful. The last email I received from him, he thanked me for Mia's birth announcement and told me he was proud. I emailed him back telling him I would send him pictures of all the kids when I was able to get to it...I never did, I feel so awful!!! I could have found the time, just a few minutes to email him some pictures! I should have made more of an effort! I should have made sure that when we visited family up there that we were able to get over there at least for a short visit. I feel so guilty. I am so sorry grandpa! I will not make the same mistake with my other grandparents. My grandpa Jack also has cancer and my grandma Donna has diabetes. This had made me realize that time IS short, we hear it all the time from people but I never really thought that much about it. You never know what might happen and we have to take advantage of the time we have here on earth because we don't know when its going to be over.
I feel bad because I cannot be there for my family and friends and help them. I live too far away to just make a drive. Gas is expensive and it is a long trip, not so long that its impossible to make, but long enough that its not easy with 4 kids. To my family and friends, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers all day!
Grandpa I love you and I will miss you.
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