boxed wine...

My Grandpa passed away today. Ninety-one years old. It wasn't exactly unexpected. He had been getting weaker, eating less, losing his memory. All signs of an aging body. Him and Grandma were able to live on their own for many years - our family is incredibly blessed. He had just recently been moved to the nursing home. Dad was there visiting this weekend. This morning he just stopped breathing. No pain, no struggle.

Grandpa loved to play cards. Anytime we were there, everyone gathered around the table for many rounds. Usually six-point pitch, also known as cut-throat (which I am realizing is much less frequently played than the similar twelve or thirteen point version). When an awesome stinger was played he would shout "Rowr!" (Kind of like yow, but better.) And he loved a good story. He had a great laugh, and would slap his leg and say "Well ah-be danged" if it had a unexpected or funny ending.

I hate that I now have to write about him in past-tense. I'm sorry Grandpa. How fast that changes...

Every time I came to visit he'd give me a hug then step back to take a look. Making sure I was growing up okay I suppose. Then the conversation would always go a little like this:

Grandpa: You sure are a pretty young lady.
Me: (blushing) Thanks Grandpa.
Grandpa: Got yourself a nice boy yet?
Me: (usually) Nope, not yet.
Grandpa: Why not?
Me: Still waiting for the right one - have to make sure he's a good one you know.
Grandpa: Well that's okay. You still have some time.

My favorite memory of Grandpa happened last year. Most of the family was together for one of the holidays. I can't even remember which one it was - Labor Day maybe. My Uncle Roger was playing the guitar and we were all circled around the living room singing along. It is one of my favorite traditions. Because we sing with our whole hearts, and most of us never quite find the right key. It's a beautiful sight to behold.

Anyway, everyone was singing, smiles dancing on their faces. Grandpa was sitting across from me and he looked up and smiled. A really big smile that lit up his eyes . And I grinned back. In that moment I just felt so happy. Peaceful. He kept looking at me and smiling. And I smiled back. And we kept singing. After the song was finished he leaned over to my dad and asked who that pretty girl sitting across the room was. I couldn't help but smile. His memory was failing but he was still my Grandpa.

Grandpa also loved dancing. He was always out on the floor during weddings, attempting to keep up with the youngin's. I'm really not sure how this started, but somewhere amongst all the cousins getting married, another family tradition was started. Aunt Eileen would send a song request and we'd all gather in a circle as the DJ blasted John Michael Montgomery's "Sold" over the speakers. Each person had a chance to give a dance performance in the middle of the circle. And boy did the crowd ever whoop and holler and cheer each contestant on. Grandpa always took a turn - smiling the whole way through. He was a sure crowd pleaser every time.

Grandpa I miss you. I wish I could have said goodbye. I should have said goodbye. You brought joy to so many people. I hope you can soon know the difference you made.

And just in case you're wondering, there's still no boy yet Grandpa. But when the day comes that there finally is, you can bet it'll be one you would have approved.

I love you. Rest in peace.