Thursday, February 25, 2016

Goodbye, Grandpa

My husband's grandfather passed away yesterday.  He was 96 years old.  He came close to losing his life quite a few times in his 96 years but miraculously made it through.  He was quite a fighter!  He loved life and loved trying new things.  He became very skilled in a lot of the things he did...oil painting, gardening, fishing, and much more.  He served in the Navy and the Marines.


Here's a photo of them at their 70th wedding anniversary celebration.  Grandma wanted so badly to make it to their 75th in September.  But, 74 is an incredible accomplishment and very rare. 


He fought as long as he possibly could but the last week was tough.  He was taken home from the hospital last Friday and put on hospice care.  They hired a 24 hour nurse to care for him.  That was wonderful!  He had many visitors in his last days....an example of what a great guy he was.

He had rough night on Monday and was scared and agitated.  Grandma climbed into his hospital bed that was in their living room and calmed him.  She stayed with him the entire night. Early yesterday morning, the nurse saw a sign that he was about to pass and woke grandma and her two daughters (my mother-in-law and my husband's aunt) who were staying with her.  They were by his side in his final moments.  I got there shortly after and more family had arrived.  Grandma sat for a couple of hours holding his hand.  It was so hard for her to let him go.  It's so sad to see how heartbroken grandma is but so beautiful to see how much they loved one another and how close they were.

We'll miss grandpa very much and will continue to cherish every moment we have with grandma.  She'll need extra doses of love, hugs, and support in the days ahead.  But, that won't be hard to do as she is one of the sweetest people you could ever meet!  

14 comments:

Cache-Mire said...

What a wonderful tribute to an obviously exceptional man. Thank you for sharing.

harpcat said...

<3 <3 <3

Mereknits said...

I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing life he had, and to be surrounded by all that love at the end of his life makes him a very lucky man.
Hugs,
Meredith

Amy at love made my home said...

I'm so very sorry, my sincerely condolences to you. It sounds as though Grandpa was a wonderful man who had a great life and loving family. I am sure you will remember him with great fondness and love. Hugs and all good thoughts to you. xx

Molly the Airedale said...

We are so very sorry to hear about your grandpa.

Laurie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! My heart hurts for the loss his wife must feel. Hugs and Prayers!

Sandy O' said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. It is so hard to let them go. The good memories will help you through these sad times.

cristina said...

Condolences.
You wrote a very beautiful obituary for him.

mamasmercantile said...

Sincere condolences. A beautiful obituary from the heart, he was certainly loved. Take care.

Delighted Hands said...

What better legacy than this to leave behind?! My condolences to you and your family.

Cindie said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Grandpa sounds like a wonderful man.

lynn cockrell said...

I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a handsome young man and they were a beautiful couple together. How wonderful that they were able to spend 74 years of love together!

judith said...

So sorry for your family's loss.

Sandi said...

My condolences. Even at 96 it is not enough time.