My Grandpa died last October at 88 years old. He and my Grandma had been married 68 years. My Grandma is not doing well right now and is in the hospital. It's so very hard to see two people that I adore slowly weakening, and in my Grandpa's case, passing away. Some of the best memories of my childhood were the trips we took to visit them. I loved the long drive, the excitement of turning onto their street and seeing the big white house come into view. I remember all of Grandma's amazing cooking, and so many wonderful times together.
I wasn't able to attend my Grandpa's funeral last October. I was leaving on another trip we'd had planned, and it was going to be difficult to arrange to be at the funeral. Looking back though, I wish I would've done whatever I needed to do to be there. I regret it. He was the best Grandpa I ever could have wished for, and I wish I could have been there to tell him goodbye. While thinking about this lately, I decided I wanted to write down some of my favorite memories of him.
I remember, first of all, how incredibly generous my Grandpa (both of them really) was. Visiting them was like Christmas in the middle of smmer :)
I remember how my sweet Grandpa would do anything in the world for my Grandma. In all the times we visited, I never heard him complain when my Grandma would ask him to make trips to the store. He was always willing to go. I think he would've given my Grandma the moon if she asked for it :)
I remember how Grandma would ask him if he wanted some of whatever goodies she had baked. He'd almost always say "No, that's all right", then come by a minute later and say "Well, maybe just a bite". He would then proceed to have several 'bites' every time he walked by. I always thought that was so funny!
I loved that Grandpa was an animal lover like me. His dogs were treated like people :) His love extended past animals...I remember during dinner one night there was a little bug on the outside of the fridge. Most people would squish it without thinking twice. Not Grandpa. He ever so gently scooped it up and put it outside. I love that I am the exact same way. I think of him every time I step over an ant or put an insect outside :)
I remember when Grandpa heard how much I loved country music he took me to the garage and turned on a tape of country music he had. We sat there in the car and listened for a long time. I've never forgotten that.
I remember he took me out looking at cars when I visited one summer during college. We had a such a good time together.
I remember that he sent me money regularly every month when I was in college. He never forgot.
I remember, though sometimes I'd rather not, how much my Grandpa grieved when we lost my dad. I've never seen someone so devasted, so grief striken, for so long. I don't think he ever recovered. I take comfort in the fact that they are together now. Maybe they can even watch Nascar and Wildcat basketball together again:) It's a nice thought!
I am so glad that I have so many wonderful memories and have had such a close relationship with my grandparents, despite living 1100 miles away. I am proud to be their granddaughter, proud to be related to a couple of the most wonderful people I have ever known.
I love you, Granpa. You were quite simply, the best.
I love you, Grandma. Please get better quickly. I'm praying!
