My mom made the joke that I should avoid going to Washington D.C from now on because everytime do someone dies. Funny and ironically true come recently. Got home last night and was happy because I got to see my grandpa one last time before he passed away a little after midnight this morning. After I saw him and his ventilator removed labored breathing, I knew it was coming. We all had a pretty good idea.
This morning my brother (sticking with our family theme) made the comment that he died at this time to be cheap and avoid having to pass out Halloween candy tonight. Trust me, if you knew my grandpa you would also think this was funny. My grandpa was no doubt a tough SOB. A car manufacturing line worker that was not afraid to speak his mind. Several times I called him names because of all the crap that he put the family through never realizing that that was just his way. He was true grit, blue collar and was comfortable with his opinions even if they were about 30 years behind the times. His decisions regarding everything from cars to second marriages sometimes confused the family but he just marched to the beat of a different drum. We tried to change it but hell if he would let us.
He was a tough man that not even lung infections or massive bleeding ulcers in the past could derail. Over the years I have strained to see his logic and fought to change his opinions. Looking back now, I can accept them and take comfort in knowing that he never compromised who he was and who the years weathered him to become. Thanks grandpa, it was a learning experience. Tell grandma I said "hello" when you get up there and tell her thanks for letting me P.R. at Columbus last fall.
1 comment:
My condolences on the loss of your grandfather. I think he would be happy to know you were able to learn from him!
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