Grandpa

My dad's dad, or Grandpa Charles as I know him best, passed away last night after a 12-year battle with Alzheimer's.  My grandparents were married 58 years, and despite the fact it's been years since my grandpa recognized my grandma, she has spent the past 7+ years visiting him daily in the care facility he's been in - feeding him, telling him stories about his family, showing him pictures of his first great-grandson, Mason.

He was a wonderful, hard working family man who loved his wife and kids and adored his grandchildren.  I have many, many fond memories of time spent at my grandparents house - playing in the lake they used to live on, Passovers spent playing with the gefilte fish on our plates while he led us through the prayers, and many family events.  He even took me on a special grandpa-granddaughter date one time when I was in middle school - a night on the town in Orlando.  We went out to dinner and then to see a Broadway play, just the two of us.  He was a pipe smoker, and to this day that sweet smell reminds me of him.  And he loved his Manhattans - one every night :)

Sadly, he's been sick for so long that I feel like he left us years ago.  But it doesn't make losing him any easier, especially thinking about my grandma and how she's going to cope with his loss.  My heart is broken for her, and I just pray now that she takes care of herself and knows how much we all love her.

I'm not going to be able to make it back home for his funeral - too far, too expensive, too quick.  It's definitely times like these that being so far away from home is hard.  But we'll be home in July and I've already purchased a special Hebrew stone to place on his grave. 

My cousin took this picture a few years ago, and I just thought I'd share it with you all.  We'll miss you, Grandpa!  RIP.