There is never a "right" time to travel. Sometimes, you just have to take the risk and leave anyway. Knowing that my grandpa was getting older and really missing my grandma (his wife of 63 years, who died last November), I hoped that my gamble would work. Unfortunately, that was not the case with one of the best men I've ever known. Fortunately, I was able to make sure to visit him before I left and to Skype with him while traveling (he made sure to let me know he was going to brag to his Hardee's friends that he got to talk to someone on the other side of the world). Not too long later, I found out that Grandpa was in the hospital and probably had cancer. The diagnosis was confirmed, and he returned home to hospice care, his loving family, and an official prognosis estimate of three months. I heard he was going downhill quickly and started to look into flights home. Then I got the call from my mom: Grandpa died about an hour before, at 10:45 a.m. Saturday morning Indianapolis time. Luckily, my friend Margaret had rejoined me at the farm and stayed with me the whole night. My new Navdanya friends have been equally wonderful, letting me brag about my awesome grandparents and my incredible family.
When my mom first called with the official diagnosis, she told me I didn't have to come home, even for the funeral. At the time, that was the worst idea I had heard my entire life. I've always been so grateful that I was around during the last days of my grandma's life, and deciding to stay in India was probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I know I made the right decision, but I hate that I won't be with my family to celebrate his life. Fortunately, I have a very wise little (or maybe just younger) sister who told me, "Your lifetime of memories with Grandpa are far more important than your final goodbye." I have that and more - the wonderful legacy that he left behind, my family. Margaret also told me that she could tell he came to visit me. (We are 10.5 hours ahead, so it was right on his way to eternity.)
Grandpa, here's to you, a hero to your children and grandchildren and a wonderful example of love and selflessness. You may not have realized your impact on those around you because it was so much a part of who you were, but the little things made such a difference to those around you. I always felt you were proud of me, simply by the way you introduced me to others. You taught us so much, you loved us so much, and you gave us so much. I'm happy for you that you got to die at home, surrounded by family, and rejoin the love of your life. You will always be with us. Thank you for everything. Tell Grandma hi and I love her, too. I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my Grandpa you'll be.
When my mom first called with the official diagnosis, she told me I didn't have to come home, even for the funeral. At the time, that was the worst idea I had heard my entire life. I've always been so grateful that I was around during the last days of my grandma's life, and deciding to stay in India was probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I know I made the right decision, but I hate that I won't be with my family to celebrate his life. Fortunately, I have a very wise little (or maybe just younger) sister who told me, "Your lifetime of memories with Grandpa are far more important than your final goodbye." I have that and more - the wonderful legacy that he left behind, my family. Margaret also told me that she could tell he came to visit me. (We are 10.5 hours ahead, so it was right on his way to eternity.)
Grandpa, here's to you, a hero to your children and grandchildren and a wonderful example of love and selflessness. You may not have realized your impact on those around you because it was so much a part of who you were, but the little things made such a difference to those around you. I always felt you were proud of me, simply by the way you introduced me to others. You taught us so much, you loved us so much, and you gave us so much. I'm happy for you that you got to die at home, surrounded by family, and rejoin the love of your life. You will always be with us. Thank you for everything. Tell Grandma hi and I love her, too. I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my Grandpa you'll be.
1 comment:
YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE MY CRY IN THE LOBBY OF WELLS LIBRARY.
And yet, you did. Beautifully put, Em. I'll be missing you these next few days as we lay Grandpa to rest, but I know that you will be with us in spirit. I can't imagine how wonderful it was for him to get to Skype you in India. And how wonderful it will be that his life and death are going to be celebrated these next few days on opposites sides of the planet.
Sending love and hugs your way!
Post a Comment