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And it's over

I was pretty sure when I wrote my post about Grandpa last evening that he would probably not live much longer. Not that I am full enough of myself to think my writing the post caused him to go. But more because that is sometimes the way things go.

Brian just called to tell me Grandpa (Pap to him and Pappy to Jordan) died around 5 this morning.

I am sad. I will never hug the man again. I won't have to practically shout so he can hear me anymore. I will never get to hear his stories about growing up in Greenfield, working in the steel mills, and the war.

One of my best memories of Grandpa was Thanksgiving a few years ago. One of my cousins is overly cautious about germs, and when I told her that Jordan had a cold, she asked that I not bring her to Thanksgiving (which meant none of the three of us would go). I was pretty upset; it was my favorite holiday after all, and we would not get to see my relatives or eat the delicious food. But I decided to visit Grandpa at the nursing home instead.

I am not a fan of those places, but I am so glad I went and got the chance to talk to Grandpa one on one. It made my disappointment of Thanksgiving dissipate, and I am pretty sure it meant a lot to Grandpa too.

Rest in peace, Grandpa. I will surely miss you.
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Comments

chris h. said…
Oh, I'm sorry, Facie. I remember being really scared of death/funeral homes when I was little. Still remember the first time I went to see a great aunt who had died -- it really affected me. I contrast that to an experience a couple years ago when Mike's boss' wife's father passed away and we went to the funeral home. I admired how the mom of the great-grandkids (who were young -- 5 or 6) was encouraging them to visit the casket and even touch great-grandpa. It was very natural and peaceful for them, not weird or scary like it was for me. I think the more you treat it like a (sad) part of life, the better kids will be able to deal with it. Hope Jordan will be OK -- and all of you, too.
September 30, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Mel said…
sorry to hear this, Facie--even when not a surprise, it still feels like a sucker-punch to the gut.

I stand by my earlier statement that kids take it better than we do. however--I'd stay away from any comparisons of death to sleep. not a good way to encourage sound sleeping habits in the young and clueless.

best wishes in this tough time. we all come to it, eventually. glad you had that nice Thanksgiving visit with him! as my dad says, much better to spend time above ground than after one is below.
not to be morbid--just honest.
September 30, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Anonymous said…
Sorry for you loss. Hugs.

Let me say it if no one else will. Not cool of your cousin to tell you not to come for thanksgiving unless her kid(s) have some immunity issue. You did the better thing anyway.
October 1, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Facie said…
Thanks, everyone. Since Grandma seems to be doing pretty well, that makes me feel much better. I am sure I will be sad again once I go to the service (which is not for two weeks), but I know it is for the best plus he lived a long life.
October 2, 2009 at 10:30 AM
chris h. said…
I have to agree with Anonymous -- meant to mention it. It wouldn't be a holiday in my family if we weren't passing around a bug of some kind. Somebody is always sick -- wouldn't think of telling them to stay away! How un-holiday spirit can you get?
October 2, 2009 at 1:01 PM
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