0LookitsC's Fotothing

Still one of my all time favs of yours!!!

Wow.

I watched my grandmother's life fade into the abyss of Alzheimer's, and when my grandfather no longer had her to take care of, his life faded into his own past, too. I sat at his bedside in hospice, holding his hand and speaking with him of his beloved forests and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had decided to stop eating and drinking. The last thing stolen from his conciousness was his dignity, or so he thought, but I had the highest regard for his decision.

I drove the giant Cadillac hearse when my grandmother went to her grave. She was the first one who had ever let me drive her car when I was 15. We had a special love. She taught me to "think warm" which was to use my inner strength even when my energy was sapped and I couldn't swim any longer at their house on the lake without complaining. I was taught that all strength comes from within, she of a generation that came to this country and lived through the Great Depression and World War II.

Sometimes, the hardest part is having to say, "C'mon. Let's go" when I know I have time later to finish what's (not) important and when I should be holding the hands of my grandparents - parents - children - wife.

Thank you soo much for sharing that. It's ironic how the roles change...how "things" just change and they look up to you for their strength. I'll always be there.

Beautiful ode.