I love you grandpa

JediKooter · 09-15-2009, 12:54 AM

Well crap, looks like my grandpa is about to finally lose his battle with alzheimer's disease. Talked to my mom and she said that he may not make it through the night.

In a way, I'm relieved that he won't have alzheimers ravaging his brain anymore, but, I am sad that he won't be alive anymore.

He made it out of West Virginia by joining the Navy to avoid having to work in the coal mines and he and my grandma raised my mom and my 4 aunts on his Navy pay.

He was an electrician on submarines back in the 50's and 60's. Worked on some of the very first nuclear submarines and could take a control panel apart and put it back together in no time.

After his retirement from the Navy, work took him to South America for a few years and then back up to the Bay Area after that. After living in San Francisco for a few years, he moved up to Seattle where he retired again. No matter where he was, he always sent me a birthday card and a christmas card.

I was honored and beyond touched when he walked my wife down the aisle when I got married. He did pretty good for being asked at the last minute to do it because my wife's brother didn't show up.

I can honestly say that I never heard him say an ill word towards or about anyone. Always had a joke or some funny comment.

Because of him, when I finally have grandchildren, I will know how to be a grandpa.

Fuck Alzheimers!

I love you grandpa!!

Herschel V. McClary

JonInMiddleGA · 09-15-2009, 12:59 AM

My heart goes out to your family in this situation, it's one that really hits home with me.

Lathum · 09-15-2009, 12:59 AM

Sorry to hear.

I lost my last Grandparent a few years ago and it is hard. One of the things I look back on is the life my grandfathers lived. It sounds like your Grandpa was alot like mine. A hard worker who earned everything they had and wouldn't have it any other way.

When I look back now I smile at their memories, there is no pain anymore.

JediKooter · 09-15-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

My heart goes out to your family in this situation, it's one that really hits home with me.

Thanks JIMGA

He's been battling it for almost 10 years now. I knew this day would come eventually.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

Sorry to hear.

I lost my last Grandparent a few years ago and it is hard. One of the things I look back on is the life my grandfathers lived. It sounds like your Grandpa was alot like mine. A hard worker who earned everything they had and wouldn't have it any other way.

When I look back now I smile at their memories, there is no pain anymore.

Thanks Lathum.

Definitely a hard worker and never complained about anything. After he is gone, I will only have one grandma left and she has Parkinsons.

I do have lots of good memories and knowing that he won't be suffering anymore helps.

Greyroofoo · 09-15-2009, 01:14 AM

I lost my grandpa this last summer.

We celebrated his life with a couple bonfires.

It was beautiful.

Izulde · 09-15-2009, 01:14 AM

Sorry for your loss.

It seems like a lot of men of our general grandfathers' generation (speaking of the 30s-ish crowd here that seems to be the mean of the board) had a lot of those same traits of hard-working, never speaking ill of anyone, and always persevering even through difficult times.

It really was a remarkable generation when you think about it.

JediKooter · 09-15-2009, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyroofoo

I lost my grandpa this last summer.

We celebrated his life with a couple bonfires.

It was beautiful.

I'm sorry Greyroofoo.

I was talking to my mom and I think we want to celebrate his life in some way, just not sure how or in what way right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izulde

Sorry for your loss.

It seems like a lot of men of our general grandfathers' generation (speaking of the 30s-ish crowd here that seems to be the mean of the board) had a lot of those same traits of hard-working, never speaking ill of anyone, and always persevering even through difficult times.

It really was a remarkable generation when you think about it.

Thanks Izulde.

That does seem to be a common thing about that generation. He knew the hard life from seeing his dad and other relatives and his brothers working in the coal mines in West Virginia.

I have a lot of respect for him and others from that generation.

Greyroofoo · 09-15-2009, 01:33 AM

I just hope you celebrate the life instead of the death

JediKooter · 09-15-2009, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyroofoo

I just hope you celebrate the life instead of the death

Absolutely! He would probably give us all a hard time if he knew we were feeling sorry for him, haha.

RainMaker · 09-15-2009, 01:37 AM

Sorry to hear. Seems like a great man.

Life is eternal,
Love is immortal,
and death is only a horizon,
and a horizon is nothing save the limits of our sight.

Lorena · 09-15-2009, 01:39 AM

Sorry for your loss JediKooter

Greyroofoo · 09-15-2009, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyroofoo

I just hope you celebrate the life instead of the death

I am really glad to hear it

JediKooter · 09-15-2009, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Sorry to hear. Seems like a great man.

Life is eternal,
Love is immortal,
and death is only a horizon,
and a horizon is nothing save the limits of our sight.

Thanks RainMaker.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorena

Sorry for your loss JediKooter

Thanks Lorena. I'm just glad the suffering will be gone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyroofoo

I am really glad to hear it

A little back story...My mom and 2 oldest aunts were actually adopted by him after he married my grandma. My biological grandfather took off when my mom was around 4 or 5 years old. He took them in and raised like they were his own flesh and blood.

Greyroofoo · 09-15-2009, 01:48 AM

SirFozzie · 09-15-2009, 02:42 AM

God bless.

Flasch186 · 09-15-2009, 05:37 AM

Ive lost all of my grandparents but losing my grandfather was the toughest. I think I posted something back then but I spent a lot of time with him downt he long road at the end and was one that he could lean on in tough times. It brought us closer and Im glad I was able to spend it with him. My pthoughts go out to you.

spleen1015 · 09-15-2009, 06:05 AM

Sorry, man.

CleBrownsfan · 09-15-2009, 06:44 AM

My thoughts will be with you and your family.

I can honestly say that I never heard him say an ill word towards or about anyone. Always had a joke or some funny comment.

Sounds like he was a guy everyone would like to be around...

Marc Vaughan · 09-15-2009, 06:48 AM

Sorry to hear that, sounds like a great person to have had in your life.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 09-15-2009, 06:52 AM

Alzheimers' disease is a terrible thing. Have a family member who is currently in the late stages much like your grandfather. She barely knows her own family and obviously does some irrational things. It's very tough on the family to see her in that state.

Sorry to hear about your situation.

Honolulu_Blue · 09-15-2009, 06:58 AM

Sorry to hear this. He really does sound like a great man.

Alzheimers is really rough since you sort of lose your loved one twice. The same thing happened with my grandma earlier this year. She had been suffering from dementia for a few years now, so other than a few moments here and there, she really hadn't been the woman she was for a while. It was very hard to see her go, but at 98 it was time and for the best.

miked · 09-15-2009, 07:17 AM

The aging disease suck. A few years ago I lost my grandmother, but a few months before she died she had some sort of stroke (so they think). She spent her last few months in a bed, completely incomprehensible, but we were fairly sure she understood us. I'm glad she lived so long and was able to see my wedding, but some of those last visits were brutal. Sorry for your situation, it seems like this sort of thing is too common for our generation (or theirs).

Fidatelo · 09-15-2009, 08:10 AM

Sorry to hear about your grandpa. Alzheimer's is the worst.

Kodos · 09-15-2009, 08:34 AM

Sorry for your loss. Nobody should have to go through Alzheimer's.

Abe Sargent · 09-15-2009, 08:57 AM

You have my thoughts.

Logan · 09-15-2009, 10:20 AM

Sorry as well.

Lost my last grandparent in November (mother's father), a very weird feeling compounded by the loss of him.

CamEdwards · 09-15-2009, 10:24 AM

JK,

Very sorry to hear about your grandfather, but I'm sure he'd be happy to hear the impact you made on his life.

At some point all of us will die. It's how we live our life that's important, and it sounds like he lived a good one. I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm glad you have so many good memories of him.

Young Drachma · 09-15-2009, 10:28 AM

Condolences to your family. Losing grandparents you were close to sucks a lot, but having those good memories with you make all the difference.

M GO BLUE!!! · 09-15-2009, 10:37 AM

Did he have fun? Yes! Life is cool.

Sorry for your pending loss... Alzheimer's sucks... been there with a Grandma.

BigDPW · 09-15-2009, 11:36 AM

I am praying for you and your family. I haven't had a grandpa since I was a little kid. One ran off before I was born the other died before I was born and my stepgrandad passed when I was about 8... I never realized the grandad connection until I see my sons with my father. It is pretty amazing. I have always loved my grandmothers dearly and can certainly feel some of your loss when thinking of them. Best wishes!

JediKooter · 09-15-2009, 12:20 PM

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

He passed away last night at about 12:45AM. My cousin was by his side when he passed, so he was not alone when the time came.

I was planning on going out there as soon as I could, but, now I will wait to see what the plan is now.

This sucks, but, I am glad he is no longer suffering. RIP grandpa, you lived a good life and had lots and lots of people that loved you and will always love you.

Toddzilla · 09-15-2009, 12:38 PM

So sorry JK. Like you, my grandfather was also from West Virginia and joined the navy just before WWII. He was an electrician on the smaller boats and never made it into combat. He, too, died from alzheimers.

Godspeed, Herschel.

JediKooter · 09-15-2009, 12:59 PM

Thank you Toddzilla.

Wolfpack · 09-15-2009, 09:26 PM

Sorry for your loss. I was not fortunate enough to know either of my grandfathers as both had died before I was even born. I have a great-uncle that kind-of-sort-of fills the roll, but we don't see each other very often (the last time was at my wedding over eight years ago now). It's hard to miss something you never had, but I think I do somewhat, especially now that my girls enjoy both their grandfathers.

God bless you and your family.

miami_fan · 09-15-2009, 09:48 PM

My heart goes out to you and your family JK. My grandmother passed away earlier this year after a long battle with Alzheimers. Enjoy all the good memories you have of him.

Schmidty · 09-15-2009, 10:24 PM

I'm very sorry to hear this, but I'm glad that you seem to be taking it so positively.

When my two grandpa died in the past few years, I was a wreck. I wish I could have been as calm about it. Let me clarify that by saying that I know that you care just as much as me, I just think you're handling it better than me.

Prayers just went out to you and your family. Hope things go well for you.

JediKooter · 09-15-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

Sorry for your loss. I was not fortunate enough to know either of my grandfathers as both had died before I was even born. I have a great-uncle that kind-of-sort-of fills the roll, but we don't see each other very often (the last time was at my wedding over eight years ago now). It's hard to miss something you never had, but I think I do somewhat, especially now that my girls enjoy both their grandfathers.

God bless you and your family.

Thank you Wolfpack. I'm sorry you didn't know your grandfathers.

Grandparents are special that's for sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by miami_fan

My heart goes out to you and your family JK. My grandmother passed away earlier this year after a long battle with Alzheimers. Enjoy all the good memories you have of him.

Thank you miami_fan. I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. Alzheimers is just a nasty desease and I don't wish it on anybody.

I definitely remember all the good memories of him. He loved taking me to Mariners games at the Kingdome. Always made sure he had a bag of peanuts to eat during the game.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmidty

I'm very sorry to hear this, but I'm glad that you seem to be taking it so positively.

When my two grandpa died in the past few years, I was a wreck. I wish I could have been as calm about it. Let me clarify that by saying that I know that you care just as much as me, I just think you're handling it better than me.

Prayers just went out to you and your family. Hope things go well for you.

I think I am just relieved that he is not suffering anymore. I am very sad he is gone though. The toughest thing was calling my dad yesterday and telling him that grandpa didn't have much longer. He and my dad were actually very close friends before my dad met my mom and they continued to be very good friends even after my parents divorced. Heck, my dad even introduced my grandpa to his wife.

Thank you for you prayers Schmidty.

Just found out that he will have a full military funeral and on that, here's my grandpa in his uniform...I love the mustache!!

09-15-2009, 12:59 AM	#2
JonInMiddleGA Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Behind Enemy Lines in Athens, GA	My heart goes out to your family in this situation, it's one that really hits home with me. __________________ "I lit another cigarette. Unless I specifically inform you to the contrary, I am always lighting another cigarette." - from a novel by Martin Amis

09-15-2009, 01:14 AM	#6
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	Sorry for your loss. It seems like a lot of men of our general grandfathers' generation (speaking of the 30s-ish crowd here that seems to be the mean of the board) had a lot of those same traits of hard-working, never speaking ill of anyone, and always persevering even through difficult times. It really was a remarkable generation when you think about it. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)

09-15-2009, 02:42 AM	#15
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	God bless. __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

09-15-2009, 05:37 AM	#16
Flasch186 Coordinator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL	Ive lost all of my grandparents but losing my grandfather was the toughest. I think I posted something back then but I spent a lot of time with him downt he long road at the end and was one that he could lean on in tough times. It brought us closer and Im glad I was able to spend it with him. My pthoughts go out to you. __________________ Jacksonville-florida-homes-for-sale Putting a New Spin on Real Estate! ----------------------------------------------------------- Commissioner of the USFL USFL

09-15-2009, 06:05 AM	#17
spleen1015 Coordinator Join Date: Sep 2003	Sorry, man. __________________ Why choose failure when success is an option?

09-15-2009, 12:59 AM	#3
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	Sorry to hear. I lost my last Grandparent a few years ago and it is hard. One of the things I look back on is the life my grandfathers lived. It sounds like your Grandpa was alot like mine. A hard worker who earned everything they had and wouldn't have it any other way. When I look back now I smile at their memories, there is no pain anymore.

09-15-2009, 01:14 AM	#5
Greyroofoo Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alabama	I lost my grandpa this last summer. We celebrated his life with a couple bonfires. It was beautiful.

09-15-2009, 01:33 AM	#8
Greyroofoo Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alabama	I just hope you celebrate the life instead of the death

09-15-2009, 01:37 AM	#10
RainMaker Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	Sorry to hear. Seems like a great man. Life is eternal, Love is immortal, and death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limits of our sight.

09-15-2009, 01:39 AM	#11
Lorena Unregistered Join Date: May 2004	Sorry for your loss JediKooter

09-15-2009, 01:48 AM	#14
Greyroofoo Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alabama

09-15-2009, 06:44 AM	#18
CleBrownsfan Pro Rookie Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: C-Town	My thoughts will be with you and your family. I can honestly say that I never heard him say an ill word towards or about anyone. Always had a joke or some funny comment. Sounds like he was a guy everyone would like to be around... __________________ *XBox Gamertag:* Pronk32 FOOL-X - Cleveland Naps FOOL - Cleveland Cyclones SLOP - Cuyahoga Spiders Last edited by CleBrownsfan : 09-15-2009 at 06:45 AM.

09-15-2009, 06:48 AM	#19
Marc Vaughan SI Games Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Melbourne, FL	Sorry to hear that, sounds like a great person to have had in your life.

09-15-2009, 06:52 AM	#20
Mizzou B-ball fan General Manager Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO	Alzheimers' disease is a terrible thing. Have a family member who is currently in the late stages much like your grandfather. She barely knows her own family and obviously does some irrational things. It's very tough on the family to see her in that state. Sorry to hear about your situation.

09-15-2009, 06:58 AM	#21
Honolulu_Blue Hockey Boy Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Royal Oak, MI	Sorry to hear this. He really does sound like a great man. Alzheimers is really rough since you sort of lose your loved one twice. The same thing happened with my grandma earlier this year. She had been suffering from dementia for a few years now, so other than a few moments here and there, she really hadn't been the woman she was for a while. It was very hard to see her go, but at 98 it was time and for the best. __________________ *Steve Yzerman*: 1,755 points in 1,514 regular season games. 185 points in 196 postseason games. A First-Team All-Star, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Selke Trophy winner, Masterton Trophy winner, member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Olympic gold medallist, and a three-time Stanley Cup Champion. Longest serving captain of one team in the history of the NHL (19 seasons).

09-15-2009, 07:17 AM	#22
miked College Starter Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The Dirty	The aging disease suck. A few years ago I lost my grandmother, but a few months before she died she had some sort of stroke (so they think). She spent her last few months in a bed, completely incomprehensible, but we were fairly sure she understood us. I'm glad she lived so long and was able to see my wedding, but some of those last visits were brutal. Sorry for your situation, it seems like this sort of thing is too common for our generation (or theirs). __________________ Commish of the United Baseball League (OOTP 6.5)

09-15-2009, 08:10 AM	#23
Fidatelo Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, MB	Sorry to hear about your grandpa. Alzheimer's is the worst. __________________ "Breakfast? Breakfast schmekfast, look at the score for God's sake. It's only the second period and I'm winning 12-2. Breakfasts come and go, Rene, but Hartford, the Whale, they only beat Vancouver maybe once or twice in a lifetime."

09-15-2009, 08:34 AM	#24
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Sorry for your loss. Nobody should have to go through Alzheimer's. __________________ Indiana Hoosiers Football - 2025-26 National Champs The FOFC Ladder History thread

09-15-2009, 08:57 AM	#25
Abe Sargent Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Catonsville, MD	You have my thoughts. __________________ Check out my two current weekly Magic columns! https://www.coolstuffinc.com/a/?action=search&page=1&author[]=Abe%20Sargent

09-15-2009, 10:20 AM	#26
Logan Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: NYC	Sorry as well. Lost my last grandparent in November (mother's father), a very weird feeling compounded by the loss of him.

09-15-2009, 10:24 AM	#27
CamEdwards Stadium Announcer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Burke, VA	JK, Very sorry to hear about your grandfather, but I'm sure he'd be happy to hear the impact you made on his life. At some point all of us will die. It's how we live our life that's important, and it sounds like he lived a good one. I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm glad you have so many good memories of him. __________________ I don't want the world. I just want your half.

09-15-2009, 10:28 AM	#28
Young Drachma Dark Cloud Join Date: Apr 2001	Condolences to your family. Losing grandparents you were close to sucks a lot, but having those good memories with you make all the difference.

09-15-2009, 10:37 AM	#29
M GO BLUE!!! Pro Starter Join Date: Sep 2005	Did he have fun? Yes! Life is cool. Sorry for your pending loss... Alzheimer's sucks... been there with a Grandma.

09-15-2009, 11:36 AM	#30
BigDPW College Prospect Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Raleigh, NC	I am praying for you and your family. I haven't had a grandpa since I was a little kid. One ran off before I was born the other died before I was born and my stepgrandad passed when I was about 8... I never realized the grandad connection until I see my sons with my father. It is pretty amazing. I have always loved my grandmothers dearly and can certainly feel some of your loss when thinking of them. Best wishes!

09-15-2009, 12:20 PM	#31
JediKooter Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego via Sausalito via San Jose via San Diego	Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. He passed away last night at about 12:45AM. My cousin was by his side when he passed, so he was not alone when the time came. I was planning on going out there as soon as I could, but, now I will wait to see what the plan is now. This sucks, but, I am glad he is no longer suffering. RIP grandpa, you lived a good life and had lots and lots of people that loved you and will always love you. __________________ I'm no longer a Chargers fan, they are dead to me Coming this summer to a movie theater near you: The Adventures of Jedikooter: Part 4

09-15-2009, 12:38 PM	#32
Toddzilla Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Burke, VA	So sorry JK. Like you, my grandfather was also from West Virginia and joined the navy just before WWII. He was an electrician on the smaller boats and never made it into combat. He, too, died from alzheimers. Godspeed, Herschel.

09-15-2009, 12:59 PM	#33
JediKooter Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego via Sausalito via San Jose via San Diego	Thank you Toddzilla. __________________ I'm no longer a Chargers fan, they are dead to me Coming this summer to a movie theater near you: The Adventures of Jedikooter: Part 4

09-15-2009, 09:26 PM	#34
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Sorry for your loss. I was not fortunate enough to know either of my grandfathers as both had died before I was even born. I have a great-uncle that kind-of-sort-of fills the roll, but we don't see each other very often (the last time was at my wedding over eight years ago now). It's hard to miss something you never had, but I think I do somewhat, especially now that my girls enjoy both their grandfathers. God bless you and your family.

09-15-2009, 09:48 PM	#35
miami_fan Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Land O Lakes FL	My heart goes out to you and your family JK. My grandmother passed away earlier this year after a long battle with Alzheimers. Enjoy all the good memories you have of him. __________________ "Do not be indifferent in the face of historical lies. Do not be indifferent when you see the past being exploited for the needs of contemporary politics. Do not be indifferent when any minority suffers discrimination. For it's the essence of democracy that the majority wields the power, but at the same time, the rights of the minority must be respected." Marian Turski- former prisoner of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and death camp

09-15-2009, 10:24 PM	#36
Schmidty Coordinator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Early, TX	I'm very sorry to hear this, but I'm glad that you seem to be taking it so positively. When my two grandpa died in the past few years, I was a wreck. I wish I could have been as calm about it. Let me clarify that by saying that I know that you care just as much as me, I just think you're handling it better than me. Prayers just went out to you and your family. Hope things go well for you. __________________ Just beat the devil out of it!!! - Bob Ross

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