I miss my Grandpa

[cartman]

Howdy all,

I haven't posted here in a week and a half, and those of you in the FOFC-BBCF might have seen the note why. I've been up in Fort Worth helping my mom and aunts take care of my grandfather. He's been in declining health for a long time and he finally passed, surrounded by family, on Saturday night. He made it clear that he never wanted to be in a hospital or nursing home, so for the past couple of years, he has been at home, attended to by my mom, aunts and uncles, with the support of hospice services. It has been a difficult past 10 days or so, but I am so glad I got to spend this time with him and my other family members. When I was growing up, there was nothing he or my grandma wouldn't do for me, so it was the least I could do to come up and help him at the end. When my grandma died six years ago, we figured he would go soon after, because they had been married for 57 years. But he wasn't through living quite yet. He made a bunch of trips to see his kids and grandkids, until about a year and a half ago when he just couldn't travel anymore. The last time he left the house for more than a doctor's visit was last year to stay at my place for my uncle's suprise 60th birthday party.

I was sad to see how much he had declined over the past few weeks, and kept on fighting. He is in a much better place now, but there is a huge hole left here for his 8 kids, 26 grandkids and 5 great grandkids, plus all of the close friends he made during his 85 years. I was lucky to have him be such a big part of my life, and I hope I can live up to the example he left.

[Lorena]

I'm glad to hear you spent some time with him before he passed on. Hang in there.

[digamma]

My best to you. Sounds like he led a great life.

[Flasch186]

I know how you feel. My prayers are with you and yours.

[MizzouRah]

You've been missed Cartman. Good thing is, you got to spend some time with him.

Take care of yourself.

[Lathum]

I'm really sorry for your loss Greg. It sounds like he has a wonderfull family
( Knowing you personaly if the rest of your family is as awesome a person that you are). Hopefully your family can provide each other with enough comfort to get through. Hang in there bud.

[WSUCougar]

My condolences, Cartman. It is neat to hear you celebrate his life, despite your grief. Hang in there.

[PackerFanatic]

I know what you are going through. We dealt with the same thing with my Grandmother pretty much before she passed away in June.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

[JeeberD]

I'm sorry for your loss, buddy.

[Toddzilla]

Kudos, cartman, for going to see your grandpa and making his last few days a little better. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family - now take care of yourself for a little bit. You deserve it.

[MikeVic]

Missed this the first time around... but I'm sorry for the loss. Remember him fondly, and stay positive!

[johnnyshaka]

Very sorry for your loss, Cartman, but glad to hear you got to say goodbye.

I didn't grow up with grandparents as my adoptive parents' parents had already passed by the time I came around but over the last 5 or so years I've gotten to know both sets of grandparents from birthparents and now, I can't imagine not seeing them all the time...especially now that my little girl is there first great grandchild.

[duckman]

Very sorry for your loss, cartman. It's very good that you got to say goodbye to your grandfather.

[cartman]

Thanks for all the kind words, I really do appreciate them.

We gave him one hell of a send off. All of my aunts and uncles made it in, and all but one of my cousins were able to be there as well. We had a viewing on Thursday (for the Protestant folks), a rosary (for the Catholics) on Friday, and the funeral on Saturday. The viewing turned into an old fashioned Irish wake, with lots of laughter and good memories. The rosary was a bit more somber, with a full compliment of 4th degree Knights of Columbus in attendence. The funeral was perfect for my grandpa. His casket was brought in by all of the grandkids, as well as the 4th degree Knights again in full regalia. After the mass, the Knights removed the casket from the church, followed by Boy Scouts, while a bagpiper played "Amazing Grace". At the gravesite, one of the Scouts played "Taps" on a bugle, and my oldest uncle was presented with the flag and crucifix that was on top of the coffin.

The reception was at my aunt's house (where my grandfather lived for his final 3 years), and it was not somber at all. It was the first time in a long time that many of us had seen each other, and there was a lot of catching up to do. Once the friends had left, and only family was remaining, we had some serious family bonding. We splashed around in the pool, took pictures, BSed with each other, played poker, drank all kinds of beverages, and carried on until about 1am. At that point, somehow a bunch of bottles of champagne materialized, and we toasted my grandparents, who were reunited after a six year seperation. We were sure that they were up in heaven, looking down on the mess they had created and were responsible for .

Sunday was more of the same, but tinged with a bit of sadness. As people started to head home, we realized that it would probably be a long time until we were together again in those kinds of numbers, probably to mourn the passing of one of us. The last of the out-of-towners left late last night, and I myself headed home this afternoon.

His passing was sad, but it was well past his time to go. He had an incredible will to live, and fought on much longer than any doctors had given him. In the end, his poor body just had too much stuff going wrong with it to keep him going. We were saddened by his passing, but are happy to know he is not suffering anymore, and is reunited with all of the people he lost during his lifetime.

[johnnyshaka]

Sounds like a great send off...well done!!

[Lorena]

Your grandpa must be looking down at you guys feeling honored at the send-off you guys gave him. That's awesome man, knights and bagpipes... wow!