Thursday, November 22, 2007 9:35 AM
Sorry it's been a week since I wrote last. It's been a tough week. Last Friday I received the news that my grandfathers health had taken a toll for the worst. Monday, I went to work like normal and received a call that his time had come. I rushed to the nursing home to be with my family by his side as he passed. I had never experienced death like this. Every time someone around me has died it has been unexpected. This was the first time I knew it was coming. In fact, we have been preparing for this day for a few years now. My grandfather was 91 years old. So as I stood at his bedside and he passed, I checked the time and it was 11:04 AM CST, Monday, November 19th. Tuesday was a blur. I was so busy at work and then preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and preparing for my grandfathers funeral. Wednesday was the funeral. I got dressed in my suit in the morning, headed to the funeral home and spent an entire day remembering, thanking, and honoring his presence in my life. I learned a lot about a man who very few knew much about.
So, here I am on Thanksgiving day morning. I am thinking about what I am thankful for. It's a hard list to create. It's long and I am always afraid to leave parts out. First of all, I am thankful for my health. After watching my grandfather struggle so long, it is such a relief to see his sufferring is over. Secondly, I am thankful for my family. I have a great family. I am an only child. My father passed away when I was 18. I have always had a strong bond with my extended family. I am very fortunate that many of them still live in the area. I also include my good dogs in this category as well. They are good friends to me. Some people understand this and some don't. Thirdly, I am thankful for my good fortune in life. I have worked hard my whole life to try and accomplish things. I feel like I am starting to really do this. I have a good career. I have nice things. I don't struggle like some do. I am in a position where I can give back and I do. Finally, I am thankful for all of my wonderful memories. After going through this week, I've thought through my memories so many times. I've probably recounted more memories than I have ever attempted to before. It's hard to realize you don't get them back, but you don't. All you have is what you can remember. There is no way to turn back the clock unless you close your eyes, think hard, and smile a bit.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Thanks for taking a moment to share my thoughts with me. I have to run. I have some food in the oven I have to go check on.
EDIT - One more thing I am thankful for: Missouri is 10-1 and having a great football season! This saturday will rock!