So far, it's been a sad, sad 2010!
For those of you who don't know, my Gramps passed away last Friday Jan. 29th at 3:05 pm AZ time. He'd been in and out of the ICU for about 3 weeks with various health issues and his body just couldn't fight anymore. The doctors did everything they could and finally released him into a hospice facility to spend his last days more comfortably. It was 5:05 pm here in Burlington and I was thinking of him. I know because I looked at the clock at 5:03 and was thinking....if I'm thinking of him, will I know or feel when it happens? I guess that was the sign, because he just popped into my mind when I had been trying so hard previously not to think about it.....it'd only make me cry. I cried a lot last week. Anytime I allowed myself to remember all the many memories I have of him, the tears started. Even now as I type, the tears are running. But if you ask Greg, it doesn't take much. =)
I was lucky enough to have my Gram and Gramps just a 10 minute drive from our house growing up until I was about 15, so I have a lot of memories. Gramps was a master gardener, a really hard worker, had the best sense of humor, and could burn a mean hot dog. He always kept us stocked with a steady supply of tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, peaches, apricots, and more. He had a real green thumb.
Since we've been way out here in the Northeast for the past few years, the visits have been few and far between. I'll have to just hold on to all the many childhood memories I have of my Gramps, and there are many.
Here's where my love affair with Gramps started.........1981
I'm so glad they lived so close and could be there for so many special moments.Baptism 1989
A play I had a small part in......
This is Gram and Gramps at their house in El Paso, where we had many a barbecue. He still had his apron on. He was probably between burger flips!
Still a gentleman, even after 50 years!
He gave great hugs!
Any time he came in town, he kept himself busy with whatever household project/repair that was needed. Here he is with Dad roofing!
Any type of work with his hands, he could do. He even helped make this beautiful quilt for Greg and I for our wedding.
He had so much family and was adored by each and every one of us.
(Some awesome clothing and hair style choices in this one!)
Dad's b-day
My cousin Amanda and her daughter Iris with Gramps.
Hangin' out with the great grand kids........
A play I had a small part in......
This is Gram and Gramps at their house in El Paso, where we had many a barbecue. He still had his apron on. He was probably between burger flips!
Still a gentleman, even after 50 years!
He gave great hugs!
Any time he came in town, he kept himself busy with whatever household project/repair that was needed. Here he is with Dad roofing!
Any type of work with his hands, he could do. He even helped make this beautiful quilt for Greg and I for our wedding.
He had so much family and was adored by each and every one of us.(Some awesome clothing and hair style choices in this one!)A few of these people are having a joyous reunion with him right now.
Dad's b-day
My cousin Amanda and her daughter Iris with Gramps.
Hangin' out with the great grand kids........ Gramps with Caleb Clause
Swinging with Grace
Gram, Aunt Jeanne, Gramps
Gramps was one of the few men in my life that I somewhat regularly danced with. I could be just walking by and he usually grabbed me and danced me around to whatever song was on at the time. I'm not much for dancing, but never refused a dance with my Gramps.
(at Jason and Sarah's wedding reception in El Paso)
(at Greg and my wedding reception in Las Cruces)
Of course I had to dance with Gramps at my wedding!
In case you can't tell, I love this man! I'm so sad that he's no longer with us and I will miss him greatly. There's a little hole in my heart now with him gone but it just goes to show that he meant so much to me. I'm glad that he's at peace now and gone to be with so many loved ones that will be so happy to see him........but if I had it my way I'd never let him go.
Swinging with Grace
Gram, Aunt Jeanne, Gramps
Gramps was one of the few men in my life that I somewhat regularly danced with. I could be just walking by and he usually grabbed me and danced me around to whatever song was on at the time. I'm not much for dancing, but never refused a dance with my Gramps.(at Jason and Sarah's wedding reception in El Paso)
(at Greg and my wedding reception in Las Cruces)
Of course I had to dance with Gramps at my wedding!
In case you can't tell, I love this man! I'm so sad that he's no longer with us and I will miss him greatly. There's a little hole in my heart now with him gone but it just goes to show that he meant so much to me. I'm glad that he's at peace now and gone to be with so many loved ones that will be so happy to see him........but if I had it my way I'd never let him go.I love you Gramps and miss you so much!
"God be with you till we meet again" literally
