Another road trip
Alas, it seems that we just got back from Ohio, but it seems we will be heading back that way either tomorrow or Monday for the third funeral of the year (it's been a very rough year for me and grandparents)
My mom called this morning to say my grandfather had passed away. Although he'd been losing his battle with Alzheimer, this death has come as a huge shock as his health had been steady (it was really only his mind that was suffering). It also comes almost four months after my grandmother (his wife passed away). Needless to say the family is taking it really hard, myself included.
My last conversation was with him on the day of my grandmother's funeral. I had taken some of my second cousins down to the memory unit to visit with him. He didn't know who we were, but there's something to be said for hearing him tell one of his stories (this particular one was about his mother's penny collection). While I was close to all of my grandparents, I'd have to say that I was closest with him and will miss having him in my life.
Some of my earliest memories of my grandfather include the 2-3 weeks I would spend each summer with my grandparents. He would always take the time to hang out with me, whether it was taking me to the local pool (where he taught me to swim) or just hanging out in the living room taking in a Cubs game (this is of course where I got my love for the Cubs) he has been an integral part of my life. many of the things he taught me I have shared with others who have entered my life. My grandfather taught me to play Cribbage (a card game) and I have shared my love of the game with Andrew. As I got older, my grandfather was still very present in my life. While in college I played with the University band and he and my grandmother would take any opportunity to come up and her me play with the band. On one particular trip he drove us through the small town of yellow spring (home to Antioch college) and proceeded to give us a tour of the area and sharing memories of when he was younger.
The things that make me the saddest are that Anna and Andrew never had the chance to know him as I had, as Alzheimer had already robbed him of many of his senses.
So grandpa, it is with love that I bid you farewell. Give my love to grandma.
My mom called this morning to say my grandfather had passed away. Although he'd been losing his battle with Alzheimer, this death has come as a huge shock as his health had been steady (it was really only his mind that was suffering). It also comes almost four months after my grandmother (his wife passed away). Needless to say the family is taking it really hard, myself included.
My last conversation was with him on the day of my grandmother's funeral. I had taken some of my second cousins down to the memory unit to visit with him. He didn't know who we were, but there's something to be said for hearing him tell one of his stories (this particular one was about his mother's penny collection). While I was close to all of my grandparents, I'd have to say that I was closest with him and will miss having him in my life.
Some of my earliest memories of my grandfather include the 2-3 weeks I would spend each summer with my grandparents. He would always take the time to hang out with me, whether it was taking me to the local pool (where he taught me to swim) or just hanging out in the living room taking in a Cubs game (this is of course where I got my love for the Cubs) he has been an integral part of my life. many of the things he taught me I have shared with others who have entered my life. My grandfather taught me to play Cribbage (a card game) and I have shared my love of the game with Andrew. As I got older, my grandfather was still very present in my life. While in college I played with the University band and he and my grandmother would take any opportunity to come up and her me play with the band. On one particular trip he drove us through the small town of yellow spring (home to Antioch college) and proceeded to give us a tour of the area and sharing memories of when he was younger.
The things that make me the saddest are that Anna and Andrew never had the chance to know him as I had, as Alzheimer had already robbed him of many of his senses.
So grandpa, it is with love that I bid you farewell. Give my love to grandma.