A Final Goodbye

For the past few weeks, we have known the time was coming, but no one really knew when it was going to happen. And then it did, in the early hours today. Michael's Grandpa passed away.

Leading up to this point, we had made multiple attempts to see him and spend time with family. Just on Thursday, when the priest was there saying the last rites made me realize that his time was coming soon. So understandably, Michael wanted to spend as much time at the nursing facility as possible. Thankully he took off work on Friday and was there for about 17 hours or so. At this time it was about 1:00 AM and we all needed to get some rest so we headed over to my parent's house.

We had planned to get just a few hours of sleep and head back over to see his Grandpa before going out to my Grandparent's house for Christmas. As it turned out, Michael recieved a phone call about 45 minutes after we arrived at my parent's house. And it was what we had feared, his Grandpa passed away. It was sad that we had just left, but at least his Grandpa wasn't alone (by his side was his wife, son and daughter in law).

Immediately, we headed back to the nursing facility where we just wanted to console family. I know Michael wanted to be apart of all the arrangements and I knew I had to be there to support him, especially emotionally. After spending a few more hours finalizing the arrangements, it was time to say our final goodbye. This was a very hard time to sit there and watch so many family members express how much they loved this one guy.

Even though I've only known Bob for about 10 years, I feel like I've known him my whole life, as if he were a Grandparent of my own. I am so thankful that my daughter was able to meet her Great Grandpa, even if she will never remember the few short months they had together. We will certainly have all the pictures of the two of them and those pictures show how much each of them lit up each others life. I don't really know what my husband and my in laws are going through, but I can imagine that it's difficult, especially being so close to the holiday. It is important for us all to remember the good times and wonderful memories we have with Bob and to cherish them forever. Bob may not physically be here, but if we keep these memories with us then a part of Bob will always live on. Bob was such a great guy; one who was loved by many and will be missed by all. Good bye Bob. We miss you and we love you!