OT - Quick update on my grandfather

[TroyF]

He's out of the hospital now. The blood clots in his lungs and legs have been taken care of. They are still doing testing on his chest and heart. (both are in bad shape) They've ruled out any operation on either. If they get worse, they'll try to make him as comfortable as they can.

He's not in pain and he's happy to be at home, so no matter what happens from here, things have worked out well. :)

Thanks for everyone's thoughts.

TroyF

[Neuqua]

Great news Troy, glad to hear it.

[Craptacular]

Here's hoping things continue to improve!

[FrogMan]

that's some great news! We'll keep you in our thoughts.

FM

[thealmighty]

Great news.

Now, some advice to TroyF and all the 'youngsters' out there. Ask him to tell you his life story if you never have (if you have, listen again). Do not wait and here stories of his life from others when it is too late. That is something I wish I had done. Now I have lots of questions, but noone whom I can ask.

[TroyF]

Originally posted by thealmighty
Great news.

Now, some advice to TroyF and all the 'youngsters' out there. Ask him to tell you his life story if you never have (if you have, listen again). Do not wait and here stories of his life from others when it is too late. That is something I wish I had done. Now I have lots of questions, but noone whom I can ask.

A little story about my grandfather. . .

I've been listening to him tell stories for years. I remember sitting on his lap when I was little. He was star high school pitcher. I've read some of the news clippings. Rocket of a right arm. he was a pro prospect.

He never got the chance. He went to war. Overseas, he pitched on the Army baseball teams. (they had a couple of teams where they'd play when there was actual downtime) He took some shrapnell in the right shoulder. It ended any hopes of a baseball career. He coached some little league when he returned. He always loved the game.

When I was little, he used to take me out to play catch. He had this beat up old baseball glove. I can smell the old leather on it just sitting here thinking about it. He taught me baseball inside and out.

A few years ago, he asked me if there was anything I wanted of his when he died. I didn't hesitate. I wanted that glove. I also wanted the old ball that came with it. I told him I knew I couldn't have it. He has three sons. One of them wanted the glove badly.

He told me it was his property, not my uncles. He gave me the glove and ball. Those two items sit in a shadow box on a ledge in my house. If I own one prized possession in this world, it's that baseball glove.

Whatever happens to him, I will always own that glove. If the house burns down, I'll keep the ash in a vase and put that on the ledge.

I agree with your advice 100%. There is one thing besides the glove I held onto all week when things didn't look good. It was that I'd came home to spend more time with him. That I'd heard those stories for the 40th and 60th times. That I'd made sure he knew how much he means to me. When he does pass on, I won't have any regrets about not seeing him more. I'll say a silent prayer, cry a few tears, and remember some of those stories. :)

TroyF

[ctmason]

Good news Troy, and this post was very timely.

I left behind two aging Grandparents in Georgia, and I just received a note with a nice little "camp letter" in the mail yesterday.

My Grandmother wrote that, my Grandfather, who is 78, cried when I left them two weeks ago. I've never seen the man cry at all.

As much as I love being here, it sure makes me miss all my folks back home. Thanks for this, Troy. It sure reminded me of some good times with my Grandfather.

[Bad-example]

I am glad to hear your grandfather is doing better, Troy. I will continue to send my thoughts his way.

[sachmo71]

Good news, Troy. I hope he has a speedy recovery.

[vtbub]

Glad to hear it.

[Vince]

Great news Troy :) And great story about that glove...stuff like that can't be priced.

I just want to reiterate the views of Troy and TheAlmighty...anyone here who hasn't, chat it up with older relatives if you still can...recently I lost both my great aunt and uncle, and I'm sorry that I did not know them better than I did.

[tucker342]

good to hear:)

[MizzouRah]

Excellent news! :)


Todd

[cincyreds]

Glad he is doing better Troy!