Everyone I know has one family member that they respect more than anyone else.
For me it's my Grandfather. He was always sharp as a tack and a little bit of a shit stirrer. He loved the art of the debate. He once convinced his neighbors, who he'd been friends with for years, that he was a muslim, and when they were heading home he said "Come back next week and I'll convince you I'm Jewish"
For the past few years he's been degenerating rapidly. He's now at the point where he doesn't recognize anyone and just sits in his wheelchair, restrained (because he tries to get up and hurts himself) with his mouth agape.
Yesterday they moved him to pallative care. They've stopped all his meds ('cept painkillers) and now it's just a matter of time. And probably not much time.
Part of me feels guilty that I'm not dropping everything to go see him. I know that there is nothing I can do. I also know that he's the kind of guy who wouldn't want me to see him like that as well. And I want to remember him as the guy I knew, not what his condition has forced him to become.
I wish my kids could have known him. (T met him, but she won't remember it at all.)
For me it's my Grandfather. He was always sharp as a tack and a little bit of a shit stirrer. He loved the art of the debate. He once convinced his neighbors, who he'd been friends with for years, that he was a muslim, and when they were heading home he said "Come back next week and I'll convince you I'm Jewish"
For the past few years he's been degenerating rapidly. He's now at the point where he doesn't recognize anyone and just sits in his wheelchair, restrained (because he tries to get up and hurts himself) with his mouth agape.
Yesterday they moved him to pallative care. They've stopped all his meds ('cept painkillers) and now it's just a matter of time. And probably not much time.
Part of me feels guilty that I'm not dropping everything to go see him. I know that there is nothing I can do. I also know that he's the kind of guy who wouldn't want me to see him like that as well. And I want to remember him as the guy I knew, not what his condition has forced him to become.
I wish my kids could have known him. (T met him, but she won't remember it at all.)
VIEW 16 of 16 COMMENTS
clobberingtime84:
Sorry to hear this. My grandma just passed at 106. It was hard to watch the last few years as her physical health maintained but psychological health suffered. Remember the good times!
productiondiva:
Hugs. That day is coming soon for me with my Grandda as well. I feel you lady. Remember the good times and laugh. That's what he'd want right?