A long life full of memories

After a couple of days of thinking he had the flu, then passing out multiple times at work and at home, my grandpa found himself in the hospital, undergoing open heart surgery.

My spunky grandpa, who at 85 years old, is still a full-time dentist (my grandma begs him to retire) and will be a farmer until the day he dies (I don't think farmers ever retire).

One of my biggest parental worries is of a life cut short by disease or accident or whatever. I always wonder if there is ever a point of releasing that worry, or being able to breathe a sigh of relief and say, woo hoo!  He did it!  My kids avoided tragedy and lived a long life!

As we visited with my grandpa the morning before his surgery, I watched my grandma sit by his bedside. She adores him and he adores her. They have built a life together over the past 60+ years. How can you not be affected by witnessing a pair with that longevity be faced with the potential of losing each other?

Before I let too much sadness creep in, I have to remind myself: they did it! Their lives have not been cut short. They have decades of memories: of finding love, making a home, starting a family, building careers, meeting grandchildren, and all the random ups and downs along the way.  Ultimately, isn't that what we all strive for? A long life full of memories.

While babbling on and on about this situation, I told Mike I wish there was a way I could tell my grandpa's mom that he has lived a long life. That she shouldn't worry anymore - he avoided tragedy and lived a long, prosperous life. Mike said to me, "You don't think she knows?"  I just love that man and his brain.

So while death is never easy, I do find a small bit of comfort in knowing that of all of the possible end-of-life scenarios, this is one of the best.

No one has died yet, but I guess I'm preparing myself for when the time comes.

From Addy: "Grandpa, this is a note from Addy." I love her!