Papa, at 87 years old, was moving a bit slower for quite a few months. Early March, he just had a hard time swallowing, and we knew our time was coming to say goodbye. Six days after he entered into hospice care, he passed away with Gaga by his side.
It was a really tough month. If I can be honest. Camryn became sick, then Taylor did, then Ryan even got sick, diagnosed with Influenza A. I felt terrible that my family wasn't feeling good, and feeling heartbroken about the reality of losing a wonderful grandpa that was always a source of fun, laughter, and love in our family.
I found all the pictures of Papa on my computer and put them in a folder. Here are a few of my favorites.
Jeff came up to see Papa when he was in the hospital.
A few days later, he went back to Freedom Village with hospice support. I went to go see him at home. And I brought a few Peeps with me. :)
That weekend, we had a gathering of family to say our goodbyes. Papa was able to interact with everyone on Saturday. It was good.
Sunday morning, we went back to visit, to hopefully get a few pictures with the great-granddaughters, but he was tired. And we could tell things had changed a lot overnight.
Ryan took the girls home, and Gaga had to go back to the apartment with dad, so I stayed with Papa for a couple hours. Just the two of us. He wasn't really awake during that time, but there were moments where he opened his eyes, and said a few words. He smiled a few times as I talked about favorite memories with him, and just held his hand. I will forever be grateful for that time with him.
The next morning he passed away. Heartbreak. Dad waited to tell me until the end of my school day. He texted me at 3:30, and I called him as soon as my students left. After he told me, I went right to Freedom Village to see Scott and Gaga.
The funeral was two weeks later, the day before Easter. It was such a good service. So good. Wonderful things said about Papa, pictures of him that brought back so many memories, 20 dozen donut holes from Sweetwaters, and family that we don't get to see much.
Camryn and I had a powdered donut before the funeral - Papa's favorite donut. :)
All the cousins with Gaga
We will miss Papa terribly.
Here is the post I wrote about him after he passed away.
Oh, Papa. I'm going to miss you. Thank you for all the comments and love through my dad's post about my grandpa's passing yesterday. There is a combination of joy and heartbreak. Heartbreak that I won't see his smile or hear his laugh, but joy in the fact that he is whole, again! That is such a blessing! I had the privilege of spending a couple hours with him on Sunday, just the two of us. I held his hand. Talked to him about favorite memories and Sweetwater's donuts. For me, I will always picture him at the cottage, with his Gaga, always keeping himself busy, working around the house, fishing, swimming, playing golf, reading stories about Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox to the kids. May he always be remembered by his tender heart, funny sense of humor, hard-working nature, and love for his family and friends.
