In the movie Secondhand Lions, there is a saying that "They died with their boots on." (Great movie, by the way) That meant that the people they referred to died doing what they loved.
Once it became clear that cancer wasn't going to let my grandfather die with his boots on, he decided to meet death on his own terms. He lived with his boots on, and when he couldn't anymore, he couldn't bear living.
Last night, at 9 pm, my uncle, Nemo, and I were at my grandfather's bedside, the Orioles game on TV, my uncle and I deep in discussion about nothing in particular, family memories I think, and I glanced over at my grandfather and saw that he was gone. Gently, peacefully gone. His breathing simply became more and more shallow and then ceased altogether. Four generations together, oldest and youngest in the family.
A good way to go, I think.
I love my grandfather tremendously, and will miss him intensely. I will be sharing memories of him for a little while as I work to process this. Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers. They mean the world to me.
I am so profoundly sorry for your loss.
And yet I am so grateful for your grandfather that he did not die alone, but surrounded by those who loved him.
I bet he found great comfort in that.
God Bless you and yours. Big hugs.
Posted by: Redneck Mommy | April 25, 2007 at 11:04 AM
He was a good guy, and we should all live as long and as well.
Posted by: Uncle Orca | April 25, 2007 at 02:52 PM
So nice you got to be with your grandfather when he died. Glad that he was able to find out "what to do" and let go. You know we are here for you... Love, J
Posted by: Fish-flopper | April 26, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Oh my, I am SOOO sorry that I have not been keeping up this week and totally was not expecting this yet!
I must agree with you, what a wonderful way. You know there is NO question in his mind as to being loved tremendously by you all!
Blessings & hugs through this tough weekend, I'll be thinking of you...
Posted by: bzymom13 | April 27, 2007 at 08:19 AM