A Long Heartfelt Goodbye

This has been quite the weekend. We went back to St. Joe Friday night and Eric immediately dropped me off at Grandma and Grandpa's. I can't thank him enough for being so patient, caring, and understanding with everything that has been going on. Grandpa did not look well Friday night and I really felt in my heart that he would probably pass away during his sleep. I stayed until both he and Grandma were settled in for bed and went back to Mom and Dad's house to try and get some sleep. Saturday morning, Eric and I attended Fr. Rick's funeral. It was a beautiful funeral but I found myself thinking about my Grandpa the whole time...wondering how he was doing and wishing I was there with him at the time. As soon as the funeral was over I headed over to Grandma's and was pleasantly surprised to find him sitting in his recliner. He looked really good. He had the twinkle back in his eyes and he looked really comfortable. For a moment I actually thought to myself, "he may just pull out of this". I grabbed a quick bite to eat and then visited with Grandpa and fed him some ice chips. Mom and I wanted to run to Hyvee to get a birthday cake for Madison so I told him good-bye and that I would be back later that evening, fully expecting that he would be just fine. Apparently shortly after I left he took a turn for the worse. I was trying to nap at Mom's house when Dad came in and said, "They think Grandpa died". I was in such shock. How could this be??? I just saw him a few hours ago and he looked the best he had in days!!! We quickly drove over there and as soon as I walked thru the door I knew it was true. I have thought about this moment off and on for several years now as his health slowly declined, but no amount of thought or prayer could fully prepare me for the actual moment. I'm trying to keep it positive....not everyone has the opportunity to say all of the things they want to say to their loved one before they die. We were able to grant his wish of a peaceful death at home. I also find comfort in knowing that Grandpa was ready. He was just waiting to meet St. Peter and to be reunited with all of his loved ones in Heaven. It's comforting to know that he is no longer struggling, and I am sure he is eating and drinking to his heart's content right now. I can't say enough good things about my Grandpa. He is one of the most loving and caring men I have had the pleasure of having in my life. Although I will miss him dearly I am so thankful that God called him home so that he can rest peacefully now. This is a picture of Eric and I with Grandma and Grandpa at their 60th wedding anniversary. Tuesday would have been their 64th anniversary. Eric and I could be so lucky to have a love as deep and as lasting as theirs. Experiencing death so closely has truly taught me a greater appreciation for life and all the little details that go along with it.