Bye Bye Gramps

Once we arrived back into Ohio, we went straight to Grandmas. We wanted to see her as soon as possible. Once we got there it was really weird that Gramps was not there. He would always be there. This was going difficult for everyone, especially Grandma.

We set Austin on the floor and he crawled straight to Gramp’s chair. This time was different though, Gramps was not there. Usually Gramps would hold Austin and play with him. Brian and I just looked at each other knowing how sad this is. We visited with everyone for a while then went back home.

Sunday was the funeral. I ran to the store to find something for Austin to wear. I did not want to buy him a suit but needed something dressy. He has out grown all of his other dressy clothes. He is now wearing mostly 18-month clothes.

Brian and I arrived to the funeral home first. We thought Grandma would be there first but she was not moving too fast. I can’t imagine going to my husband’s funeral. Once Grandma got there, she had some alone time with Gramps. Then the rest of the family went in. It was sad to see Gramps. At least it was not suffering any longer.


There were calling hours two hours before the funeral. There were a lot of people that came. Gramps was such a special person so it’s not surprising. I am not sure Gramps realized how special he was. I hope now he knows.


Austin was good at the funeral. Many people liked him. My parents watched him for us at times so we did not have to the entire day. We wanted to be there for everyone. Plus we needed to grieve ourselves. At the end of the funeral, everyone walked up towards Gramps and the immediate family was near the front. People had some very kind words to say. But it was terrible sitting there watching this. That is when I fell apart.

I was really sad saying bye to Gramps. I was sad for Grandma. How is she going to do this? They have been together for over 60 years! I was sad for Carol. Loosing your dad is difficult. Brian and Melissa know that first hand. I was sad for Brian and Melissa. They had lost their grandparents. Grandma and Gramps were not just any grandparents for them. They were extremely special. They were always around when they were growing up. They both have so many memories with them. They helped shape their lives in so many ways. Brian learned so much from Gramps. I did not have grandparents like this growing up. They were like my grandparents since Brian and I have been together for almost 14 years. I am lucky to have met them. I was sad for Austin. Austin will never get to know his amazing great grandpa.


We love Gramps and miss him! Now our focus is on Grandma. All Gramps wanted was to ensure Grandma is taken care of so we all need to figure out how best to do that.