My Grandpa Ray is not well.
He was taken by ambulance to Sioux Falls on Monday.
He's been in and out of ICU.
His kidneys are failing, his heart is weak, the list of ailments is long. He's 82.
Grandpa Ray has been married to my Grandma Arlene for 60 years come September.
They've farmed together and living in Minnesota all their lives.
They have been constants in my life
. Very loving Grandparents. We usually got to see them once a year during my childhood. Those trips to Minnesota are some of my favorite memories. Half our visit was spent on their farm. To me, it was a really magical place. Plenty of orchard space to explore, lots of old barns and buildings....always good for spotting rabbits, dear and raccoons.
My Grandpa Ray was a model train collector. He built a huge set downstairs in his basement.
It was re
ally something neat. A kid magnet for sure.
Bear hugs, coffee at Hardees, games of Phase 10, stories of weather, auctions and the past.
Those are Grandpa Ray to me.
Yesterday, we spent the majority of the day with Gma Arlene at the hospital. The rest of the family hadn't arrived yet. Gma and I had some special hours waiting together. Last night, we went together into the ICU to say "goodnight" to Grandpa. He was conscious, and glad to see Grandma.
He asked her if she thought he'd ever get out of there.....
She gave one of her famous smiles and said "That's up to you and the Lord, Grandpa."
They gave each other a goodnight kiss. I almost lost it, my tears were choked in my throat. I stepped to the back of the room and lowered my head. They just looked into each other's eyes....There was no need to say more.
There is something so special, so meaningful when you watch a beautiful, long marriage in action. Even to the end. 60 years together is something I can dream to attain.
I knew that kiss was something common, an every night repeat. Something lasting to the end. Faithfulness, love and trust.
Grandpa will soon be in the ever removed presence of my Maker, and I will look forward to my next bear hug.
1 comment:
I am so sorry your Grandpa is not doing well! I am so thankful for you that he is a believer and has such a sweet relationship with your Grandma! And it's so special you are able to be there now! I know how hard it is to loose such a special person and how hard it is on the remaining spouse! I will be praying for you and your family!
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