There are hundreds of stories that we've been able to reminisce about and each one makes us crack up. He was an amazing man with such a special spirit. I don't know of one person that he came in contact with that didn't think the world of him. My Mom had said some words about him right after she got the news that he would be in hospice care and possibly only had 3-6 more months to live. I'm so glad he decided to outlive that time line by a month so that I could see him one last time. It was difficult to see him go downhill so quick while I was here, but I will always cherish the moments where he was able to communicate with me and ask me about my trip, to see Ethan, play his harmonica and just show his optimism. We will be having a memorial service for him next Thursday (the 18th) and then we'll head to San Diego for his graveside memorial (the 19th) where he will be buried next to my Grandma.
So not to make this entire post seem like a downer I wanted to put up some pictures of our trip here as well as show some of the last moments we had with my Grandpa.
We asked my Grandpa to play Ethan a song and even though his oxygen levels were extremely low he was able to play for a few minutes. I'm glad we were able to record it.
We had to give Ethan an oreo to convince him to sit near his Great Grandpa.
At the Wilk when we went bowling. And yes, I won. Both times.
Ethan has been a happy guy since my parents are watching my brother's cat. He LOVES her.
Here he is driving his Mario on her back.
I can't believe she doesn't bolt any time she sees Ethan. Don't worry though, no animals were harmed in this incident.
I'm wondering if we have to consider getting a cat for this kid. Look at that face!
This wasn't from this trip, but I thought this picture was so endearing of my niece Renee who absolutely adored my Grandpa.Since Ben needed to be back to work and I'll need to be here for the memorial service next week, I decided to not make the cross-country trip one more time and stay here with my family. We will miss Ben for the next week, but are looking forward to being together again in San Diego.
8 comments:
I'm sorry about your grandpa. He looks like an awesome person and I love that he plays the harmonica. I'm sure he's happy to be with his wife. Hang in there!
My grandpa and grandma passed away about 8 months apart. Saying goodbye was very painful, but I have nothing but the sweetest, happiest memories of the actual funerals. It was the only time in the past 10 years that ALL of the extended family came together, and it felt like a party (except that we both laughed a lot and cried a lot. You know, one of those parties).
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandpa, but I'm glad that you could see him one last time, and, although it sounds weird, I hope you have a wonderful time at the funeral.
i think your grandpa is such a special man! i am happy you were able to spend time with him last weekend and that you are with your family now!
i love this. love you!
We are blessed to have known Andre. We love you.
Andre was such a stud! He was always so happy and loving to others. I'm glad your family is doing well with it--that's just the way he'd probably want you to be! It will be nice to see you all soon.
So sorry to hear about Grandpa. He was such a sweet man! We all adored him. It's good to know he's back with his honey up in heaven!!
Amanda! I am so sorry to hear about your Grandpa! The elderly women of Poway are going to have to find someone else to harass! He was very cool the few times I met him and I know he is probably happy to be with his sweetheart. I have so many great memories from that summer we were doing our comms "interships" of hanging with your family. I hope you guys are doing well!
-Conrad (aka Cameron)
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