A Life Well Lived Comes to an End
Today I sat beside my grandfather holding his hand as he took his last final breath. Our family was given a true gift of 48 more hours than we expected to sit with him in his room, be with him, share stories and memories of almost 91 years of his life. We laughed at times, cried at others, but that time we had was priceless to be able to say goodbye and to tell him just how much he meant to each and every one of us.
I have been very fortunate that I have not had to endure much loss in my life. While the loved ones that I have said goodbye to have been significant and poignant, they happened so instantly that I was forced to say goodbye in a funeral home. So what I witnessed today, was nothing like I had ever seen. A miracle in my eyes and in my heart. It speaks volumes to the strength and determination that my grandfather exemplified over so many years up until his last minute.
The family had been in and out of room 229 since Thursdsay morning. Taking shifts throughout the day and night. But there was one thing that needed to be done that could not be done at the hospital. It is now spring and the cattle needed to be moved. Well, what granddaddy wants, granddaddy gets. It was 4:14. Uncle Bobby showed up after the last cow was moved. Aunt Shelby leaned over him and said, "Daddy, the cows have all been moved. There's nothing left to be done." Within three seconds, Granddaddy was going home. He waited for his last son to show up. All five of his children sent him home. He was waiting. I believe it to be true.
The next few days will be a whirlwind as I watch my hero, my father, lay his own father to rest. I am reminded that tomorrow is in fact Easter Sunday and that my own two loves are dependent upon me to be there for them as well. All while preparing a eulogy that I will say in front of family and friends.
As I finally allow myself to sleep tonight, knowing that Granddaddy is no longer suffering, I will clear my memory of the way that he appeared the past week and I will leave you all with the images that I will have of him for the rest of my life.
I have been very fortunate that I have not had to endure much loss in my life. While the loved ones that I have said goodbye to have been significant and poignant, they happened so instantly that I was forced to say goodbye in a funeral home. So what I witnessed today, was nothing like I had ever seen. A miracle in my eyes and in my heart. It speaks volumes to the strength and determination that my grandfather exemplified over so many years up until his last minute.
The family had been in and out of room 229 since Thursdsay morning. Taking shifts throughout the day and night. But there was one thing that needed to be done that could not be done at the hospital. It is now spring and the cattle needed to be moved. Well, what granddaddy wants, granddaddy gets. It was 4:14. Uncle Bobby showed up after the last cow was moved. Aunt Shelby leaned over him and said, "Daddy, the cows have all been moved. There's nothing left to be done." Within three seconds, Granddaddy was going home. He waited for his last son to show up. All five of his children sent him home. He was waiting. I believe it to be true.
The next few days will be a whirlwind as I watch my hero, my father, lay his own father to rest. I am reminded that tomorrow is in fact Easter Sunday and that my own two loves are dependent upon me to be there for them as well. All while preparing a eulogy that I will say in front of family and friends.
As I finally allow myself to sleep tonight, knowing that Granddaddy is no longer suffering, I will clear my memory of the way that he appeared the past week and I will leave you all with the images that I will have of him for the rest of my life.
The farm. His heaven here on earth.
Tripp just days old. He loved seeing his grandchildren & great grandchildren
Granddaddy's Box Shop. After Grandma passed away, Granddad found a new hobby of box making.
Look at him smiling! Tripp had picked out this box and he was writing him a special note on the bottom.
The Box Shop. One way to turn the dairy into useful space.
This picture was taken last July 2012 on his 90th birthday. This is the way he looked when I was 4 & 6 (much younger, but not that much more hair!) now another generation enjoying the same thing I loved to do, ride on his 4-wheeler.
Goodbye Granddaddy. Give that bride of yours a kiss. You are six years overdue.
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