Goodbye Papa...
They come in threes some say....
Yesterday afternoon, our family received yet another loss with the passing of my dear 89 year-old grandfather, Irving Peck. He had been in sharp decline over the past year - and finally sucumbed to pneumonia - which had come on in the past couple of days.
I last saw him alive on Thursday night....standing next to his hospital bed with my cousin, brother and aunt. He was clearly on his way out at that point. Although I wanted to believe that this was just another stint at the hospital - it was hard to avoid the feeling that something had changed.....that this would be the last time.
I was tired from too many nights of nerve pain and decided to leave his bedside at midnight. I kissed him on the forehead and told him to get some sleep. Underneath his oxygen mask, he mumbled something about going to a "meeting" somewhere. Since he had been getting more and more incoherent in recent months - I didn't think much of it.
Sadly....he was right.
I got the call from my Mom on Friday afternoon. He had left us quietly around 3pm - as the rain fell outside.
I headed over to the hospital and sat at his bedside. The nurse said it was a peaceful end and offered her condolences. We were alone together. Papa and I - one last time. I can still see him in my mind's eye. A frail, old man....his mouth half-open and his eyes closed to the world. I cried like a child - with those deep sobs that can swallow you whole.
Holding his hand, I could still feel the warmth from his body as it left him. Gone now....I kissed his forehead.
Goodbye Papa...
Yesterday afternoon, our family received yet another loss with the passing of my dear 89 year-old grandfather, Irving Peck. He had been in sharp decline over the past year - and finally sucumbed to pneumonia - which had come on in the past couple of days.
I last saw him alive on Thursday night....standing next to his hospital bed with my cousin, brother and aunt. He was clearly on his way out at that point. Although I wanted to believe that this was just another stint at the hospital - it was hard to avoid the feeling that something had changed.....that this would be the last time.I was tired from too many nights of nerve pain and decided to leave his bedside at midnight. I kissed him on the forehead and told him to get some sleep. Underneath his oxygen mask, he mumbled something about going to a "meeting" somewhere. Since he had been getting more and more incoherent in recent months - I didn't think much of it.
Sadly....he was right.
I got the call from my Mom on Friday afternoon. He had left us quietly around 3pm - as the rain fell outside.
I headed over to the hospital and sat at his bedside. The nurse said it was a peaceful end and offered her condolences. We were alone together. Papa and I - one last time. I can still see him in my mind's eye. A frail, old man....his mouth half-open and his eyes closed to the world. I cried like a child - with those deep sobs that can swallow you whole.
Holding his hand, I could still feel the warmth from his body as it left him. Gone now....I kissed his forehead.Goodbye Papa...
4 Comments:
Compadre -- We love you so much and hold you close.
Your comadres in Denver.
By towanda, at 10:56 AM
Greg,
Im sorry Papa is gone. He was a wonderful man. Very kind and will be very missed.
All I keep resting in is picturing him fully healed and restored in the arms of God. And holding your Grandma so tight. His true love, together again.
Love, Teresa H
By TcH, at 12:38 AM
What a touching story, I lost my Papa too few years back, but never had the chance to tell him to how much I loved him and appreciated everything he did for me. They say men are not to cry; your story did that, but also, made me say little prayer for Papa.
Thank you so much.
By Basil, at 2:01 PM
Im very sorry for your family's loss. I dint get to see my grandfather for a couple of years before he died. He and my grandmother lived outside of the country and only my parents had the chance to see him on his last days. I wish I could have seen him one last time to tell him how much I loved him. I know deep inside that he is in a better place and Im sure your Papa is too. My condolences.
By Anonymous, at 4:45 PM
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