Grandparents Day

I know I’m a little late for the “official” Grandparents Day – but I also know it’s never too late to honor those who are special to you.

Meet my Grandpa and Grandma.

My Grandma – so sweet and soft!

My grandpa – still a tease, and so much fun!

We now live over 10 hours apart – but a trip with my sisters to my uncle’s funeral provided me the opportunity to spend some time with them.

It brought back so many memories.

My Grandpa has always been a tease! When we were little, he would grab our feet and pretend he was going to cut off our toes with his pocket knife. We would scream and giggle while he proceeded to tickle us!

At meal times he would point out the window and when we looked – he would steal our desserts.

He has always seemed to me to be a big man. He had a big presence, a big voice, a big laugh, and a big smile.

He seemed smaller now.

He lives in the Alzheimer’s Unit at the nursing home. I’m not sure he knew who I was, but I hope he know I loved him.

It was a bittersweet visit with Grandpa. Sweet because of all the memories it brought back – but bitter because he couldn’t share them with me.

Sweet because it was so good to hear his voice, but bitter because that voice couldn’t say my name.

He does still remember Grandma – who is just down the hall in another wing. He kept asking, “Have you seen Miriam?” “She looks good! They paint her nails here and do her hair. She gets all gussied up. Have you seen Miriam? “

Yes, Grandpa, we saw Grandma – and she does look good.

She was thrilled to see us and knew immediately who we were.

Her mind was sharp and her memories clear, even though her voice was as soft as a whisper.

I felt the need to touch her, I guess to make her real again.

She looked rested and good. After years of feeding the multitudes on the farm, she loves having her meals served to her. After carrying the burden of care for Grandpa, she can now just enjoy his daily visits.

It was sweet, so sweet to talk to Grandma – to hold her hand, finally soft after a lifetime of working beside and caring for her man – to hug her.

She smelled so good. It reminded me of the powder puff she always kept in the bathroom – the one that we  used to layer ourselves with every time we visited!

I can’t tell you how hard it was to say good bye…

…to wonder if this would be my last visit, my last hug, my last memories with both of them.

I just hope they know that I love them.