24 September 2009

Over the River and Through the Woods

We probably flew over a handful of rivers and then travelled through some woods to get to grandma's house. Well, it's actually my aunt's house, but still. Grandma lives here so it counts.

It was really tough seeing granddaddy yesterday when we got here. He's down to 112 pounds and just looks weak. I knew what to expect because mom told us the details as we drove from the airport to their house. And the doctors have given him about 6 months. We cried a lot on the drive here.

But I've only cried once since being here. Scratch that. Twice. :*) Anyway... it's more than obvious that he's in pain. The cancer is on his right side and you can tell when he sits and lays down that it's bothering him. I wish I could just pull it out so that he wouldn't be in as much pain.

I'm doing my best to just listen... and watch. I want to remember every detail... the way he always answers the phone with a prolonged "heeeello" in his once deep voice that's now losing some of its power; the way his nose is a bit crooked; the way his whiskers feel on my face when he gives me a hug and a kiss.

I hate that life doesn't last forever sometimes. But I'm thankful that I have THIS time. Oh my goodness I'm so thankful. Daddy went quickly and suddenly and there was no time to just sit and talk and memorize his features. But this time I get that chance. And then once Jesus calls me home, I'll have that opportunity for eternity :*)

Dang it... I'm up to three times now.

I knew when i took this picture last Christmas that it would be a longtime favorite... That's my granddaddy, in his flannel shirt, glasses in his pocket and reading the Washington Post. In fact, I bought him one today when my brother and I went out to get lunch. *smile*

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