My Granddad, Rae H. Goodrich, passed away this morning - Feb. 17, 2011. He's been suffering from Alzheimer's and various health issues, and his hospice nurse told the family that he probably wouldn't last much longer than a week. That was exactly a week ago. So, it was expected, but still very hard.
It makes me SO grateful that he was able to hold on long enough so that we could go out a couple of weeks ago and visit with him and Grandma. Even though I'm sure he doesn't remember that we were there. I also feel very grateful today that we've gone to visit several times over the past few years, and that my husband was able to engage Granddad in conversation and record those conversations.
Questions about how he grew up, where he went to school, when he was a truck driver, where he was baptized . . . Makes me so grateful to be able to go back and listen to those conversations, to hear Granddad's voice again, and to remember some of those fun times I had with him and Grandma. I'm so grateful for what an incredible example my Grandparents have been to me.
His passing also makes me so very grateful for my own father and mother, and that I still have them around. And will for eternity. So very grateful for the gospel and for the knowledge we have of eternal families. Even if it is hard to lose them here on earth.
(And just for my own record, Gavin found me crying first. When he asked what was wrong and why I was crying, I told him that my grandpa had died. At first, he thought it was his Grandpa Shaffer and seemed very upset, so I had to show him a picture of Granddad. Then he remembered and was sad, but didn't cry.
When I told B, he burst into tears and sobbed right along with me. He seemed to hold on a little longer and squeeze a littler harder than normal this morning before school.
Scott, my stoic little Scott. He didn't cry at all, but just internalized it like my little Scottie does. I'm sure in his own little brain he's analyzing it all and dealing with this loss in his own way. He was much closer to my Grandma, and I'm sure when she passes on, there will be more emotion from him.
And, Connor? He hasn't a clue about what's happening. But, I'm so glad to have gotten pictures the last time we were out there. The first and last time that he got to meet his great-grandpa.)
I love you, Granddad, so very much. Until we meet again . . .
Granddad and I in 2006
Christmas 2007
Our last visit together - February 2011
5 comments:
I'm so sorry Renee! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!
You and your family, especially your Grandad, are definitely in my prayers. I know how tough this is, but watching my own grandpa deal with Alzheimer's, I also know what you mean about it being a blessing. I'm so glad you guys were able to spend time with him one last time. Love you, girl! Hang in there.
Nice tribute Renne. Love ya!
Sorry for your loss. He looked like a fun grandpa with a sweet personality. He was lucky to have such a loving and caring grand daughter. I am convinced that when we loose someone we love, they aren't ever really gone. I believe they stay close to the ones they love. I hope you have felt his spirit near and have felt peace at this time.
Renee you're the best! You should write down those stories and put them in his history if they aren't already. I remember those stories, but don't have them documented anywhere.
What an amazing man who left behind an amazing legacy!
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