You Are Very Missed...

A year ago today I lost my Grandpa. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him fondly and lately I've found the tears coming more often as the anniversary of his death approaches.

Here is Grandpa with my sister Hillary in August of 2006

Grandpa suffered from Alzheimer's and while I didn't have to see the small changes in him I heard the stories from my grandmother and mother. When I saw my grandfather for the last time in August of 2007 I was prepared for him not to know me, to not remember me - after all he'd been having trouble recognizing my mom and she saw him several times a week. I walked into Grandpa's room at the nursing home prepared as one could be to not be recognized by a loved one. Much to my surprise when Grandpa saw me he started crying and immediately knew who I was. Maybe I caught him in a moment of lucidity, but I'll take it. I was able to see Grandpa for a few moments before having to say goodbye, able to remind him how much I loved him before he didn't recognize me.

I still miss you so much Grandpa! I miss you telling me to behave myself. I miss you being so proud of me. I miss hugging you. I miss the tickle wars from childhood. You were (and always will be) the best Grandpa and I can't thank you enough for loving me.

A special thanks to my knitting friends who witnessed me completely break down this weekend when I realized it had been a year...you ladies are the best support and I'm sorry I made you cry!