24 June 2007

back

i'm in connecticut again, but not exactly what i had planned. i'd originally figured i'd come home for my usual 4th of july trip, and to stay for 2 weeks and visit with my parents, grandma, and grandpa.

however on father's day i called home to find out how things were going, and my mom said, sadly, that my grandfather had just been diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to his liver. that pretty much sent me into complete sadness and despair, and i flew home nearly immediately.

i am now spending many days and some nights over at his house with him, since he lives alone (his wife, my other grandma, died in 1995).

grandpa and i have been close since i got out of college in 1999, and maybe even before that. we enjoy a good lunch together, generally a noodle side dish, or some grilled cheese and tomato soup. we talk about things, stories of the past, about life and lessons we've learned, people we've met, things we've seen, and i fix his computer and show him how to work his dvd player. he is still incredibly sharp and can learn things even at 94 years old. and still has a great memory.

it has been very difficult to hear this news and know that he will now not get better. hospice has become involved and they will help keep him comfortable. he has always said he doesn't want to burden anyone, nor does he want to *be* a burden to anyone, so i'm not sure how long this will go on. he has a strong will to live and has survived many many things in his lifetime. he has had a wonderful life with so many blessings, and he knows that and appreciates it.

i love him so much.