Well, I have to admit that this has been a tough weekend.  As we finished up our visit with my parents last week we learned that my grandfather was quite sick and would be moving to hospice. We knew this day was coming but we were not sure when. My dad and his siblings are currently in Ft. Myers with my grandparents spending time together and saying goodbye to their father.

I have been sharing memories of my grandfather all weekend with Seth. It’s tough being far away but thinking about the good memories helps.

Ironically, as we are in the process of saying goodbye to Grandpa my fondest memories of him are when we would say goodbye after our visits. He had a tradition of giving each grandchild a dollar. Our very own. Not to share with our sibling. It was for us. I remember feeling so special and so rich as a kid when he would put the green paper roll in my hand. I could hardly wait to spend it.   I remember being around 10 or so when I had the thought that if I had just been smart enough to not spend the dollars from him that I could really be loaded.  The other thing he would do was stand out by the curb when we would leave and when we rolled our window down to wave he would say “last tag” and tag us. Over the years everyone worked hard to get in the “last tag”.  Once we caught on I think we would spend the hour before leaving teasing him with tags and getting the same going.

The last time I saw my grandfather he didn’t recognize me. He has had Alzhiemer’s for some years now. I can’t remember exactly when he got diagnosed but I do remember that he started having trouble just before my wedding in 2005. I am so thankful he was able to be part of our ceremony. The last time I saw my grandfather in person was a few days after Owen was born when we had a big family get together at our home in Vienna. Even at that time I remember he was frail and unsure but I also remember how he lit up when Jackson sang “Jingle Bells” and when he held Owen. He didn’t say much that night but he smiled and his eyes were bright.

I called my dad this morning to see how the night had gone. I could sense from my dad that he wished his father would no longer have to be in pain. I asked my dad if he had given Grandpa a rolled up dollar and a “last tag”.

My grandfather touched the lives of many as a minister and superintendent to church pastors but to me he is my grandfather. Grandpa, we sure are going to miss you!   Thank you for loving us!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNPnqhB36b4]