The hardest days of my life are here...

Hi...

Something terrible has happened. 2 days ago, my grandpa passed away. You may recall, in July, my grandma passed away. Now, both of my mothers parents have moved on. Grandma and grandpa were married for 60 years. Now they can be together again. That is the only comfort I find in this. Otherwise, I am a wreck. I have never lost anyone this close to me before. The only funerals I remember are, of course, grandmas (and I wasnt close to her) - and that is it. Their son died when I was in the 8th grade, but I remember nothing.

Grandpa has had multiple battles with cancer - prostate and bladder, and won. This time, the bladder cancer returned, and spread to his lungs, spine and bone. We only found out because he complained his back was hurting (this was in late January, early February). He had an MRI, and the doctor saw something suspicious and took a biopsy. She called it "small cell cancer" or something like that, which apparently is how you know that its spread from somewhere else.

At that time, grandpa was doing well - still woodworking, going to church, dinners with the family, visiting his brother...then the radiation started. The plan was to do 10 days in a row - the hope would be that he would live 6months to a year or more, with little pain. Well that shit backfired. He wasnt strong enough to tolerate the radiation, and he stopped eating. Basically he became anorexic, per the doctor. A few weeks ago, we were then told he might have a few weeks to live. Then earlier this week, it became 24-48 hours. What a total shock. My mom, her sister and brother were with him round the clock, and my sister and I and her husband visited every night. I cant believe how he deteriorated. IT was so quick. Hospice was called in. When I visited Wed night, we knew it would be soon - that he would probably not make it until the priest could come Thursday morning to give him the sacrament of the sick. He passed away about 4am, with his children by his side.

Grandpa was a WW2 veteran. He served in the Navy, he was a cook. He had some of the most amazing stories! (some of them mom really didnt wanna hear, they were awesome - about ladies at port, etc..ha!). I've never met a more wonderful man. I believe he should be a Saint! He was a cemetery caretaker most of his life, and selflessly gave comfort to those who needed it, year after year. Money never mattered - he was the kindest, most gentle soul. Always thinking of others, never ever cared about himself - everyone else came 1st. He was a wonderful father, and grandfather and brother and husband.

Grandad, I love you..and I miss you so much already.