This week has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me. I got a promotion at work earlier this week, I finish my classes (for good) tomorrow, and while many people are celebrating today, my family is mourning.
My grandfather passed away early this morning and although he was in the hospital, it was unexpected. I'm not really good with this sort of thing and I know that my words will never do justice to his life, but fuck it. He was an incredible man that, among other things, raised five children and spent as much time as possible with his grandchildren and (recently) with his only great-grandchild, my daughter Hailey.
Everyone that knew my grandfather loved him. He had a great smile and, just like my little Hailey does, he smiled with his eyes. He was sick early last year but recovered well. We spent what (for us) seemed like a lot of time with him last year. There were birthday celebrations, our summer trip to the Northwoods, my brother's wedding, and Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, and regrettably so, we missed seeing him over the Holidays. I am sorry about that.
It is a situation like this that makes a person appreciate life a little more. I have many fond memories of my grandfather. As a child I remember his garden in the backyard. I remember climbing the apple trees and the maple tree. I remember the Easter egg hunts both inside and outdoors when the weather permitted. I remember (from only a few years ago) driving up to DeKalb to see a few NIU football games with him. It was great. As a former teacher and administrator for the university and a huge fan of the Huskies, he really enjoyed it. I did too.
I miss my grandfather. We all do.
MP3 | Ben Folds - Fred Jones, Part 2 Rockin' The Suburbs
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