I prefer to keep my blog as a sort of diary, with events in a chronological order, but at times that just isn't possible. This weekend we celebrated a 30th birthday, a 70th birthday, and a sweet 16 birthday. In the middle of all of these celebrations my grandpa passed away. Memorializing my mom's dad is the first thing I want to do this week so we're going a bit out of order. Hopefully it doesn't get all that confusing for you.

Grandpa passed away Saturday evening. The last few years of Grandpa's life he's been living in an assisted living home near my mom so she was able to help him; cleaning his apartment, grocery shopping, and taking care of his bills. About two weeks ago he was admitted to the hospital for some health issues and it was discovered that he was on the last weeks of his life. My Grandpa had become a very private man over the years so I have not written about his deteriorating health, nor have I talked much about it with family and friends. It's hard knowing where the line is on discussing my Grandpa and his health so I chose not to.

I'm the only grandchild that my Grandma (GG) and Grandpa shared while they were married. I don't remember it, but at the time I was born they were not getting along all that well and they'd take turns fighting over me. Grandpa would bring me downstairs to watch TV with him, than Grandma would steal me back to do things upstairs with her. I don't remember ever seeing them married, but knowing them as I do, I can envision them both trying not to yell in my presence and getting jealous of the other one playing with their grandchild! 

Later on in my childhood, Grandpa had found Jan whom he was with for 25 years, and they loved to gamble. On occasion my parents would take us kids to the dog track with Grandpa and Jan where they'd let us take turns betting on a dog. We had so much fun and would even sing/yell along with the announcer to "HEEEAAARRR COMES WISHBONE!" I can assure you that I did not develop a love of gambling from these experiences, I hate going to casinos now, but it sure was fun when we were little. (And using Grandpa's or my parent's money!)

With adulthood comes separation. My Grandpa became more and more private as his health decreased and I became more and more busy with my marriage and having two children. We still kept in touch, his apartment had photos of us and the kids which I'd send, and he'd have my mom give us all cards for holidays and birthdays. When it would work out we'd pay a visit where the kids would try not to step on his oxygen cord that was on the floor in his apartment. I can still see their faces as they'd navigate around that cord.

We won't be having a service for my Grandpa, these were his wishes. So hopefully these few memories will show you the man he was and how he was a part of my life. He will be missed.