Life Is Grand
You know, I rarely talk about serious stuff on here. There was that time, and this time, and that time, but I rarely do serious. I’m not good at serious. I’m better at funny. In fact, there are many times that I turn serious things into funny, like this, for example, and that’s just the way I deal.
So, here I am faced with serious — not a common occurrence in my life, since I like to surround myself with uplifting and light people and situations — and this time, I don’t think there’s much room for joking around. My grandpa, Jules, my mom’s dad, is currently seeing the sun set on his life. Well, he’s not seeing much of it, but we all are. I am lucky enough to not have really seen the face of death in my own life. The only prominent death I’ve experienced is my Poppa’s, my dad’s dad, and I was 17 and not really prepared for what his decline meant. Since then, I’ve felt guilty that I didn’t spend enough time with him, that I didn’t appreciate what I had, that I should have visited more at the end. We were close and I adored him. We had lots of fun together, but at 17, so many other things were going on with my life as a high school senior, that I don’t think I understood the severity of his health status and the imminence of death, and instead, I went through the motions with the rest of my family without really being deeply affected. Of course, now I am affected and I wish I could hear his voice again and joke around with him (I’d like to think I have his sense of humor. I think he’d find me funny today).
So, as with all things in life, we take previous experiences and learn from them. Now that I’m faced with my last grandfather’s final days, I am choosing to reflect on our almost 30 years together and be present by his side and, where it matters most, by the side of my immediate family. It’s not out of obligation, but a greater sense of family and value for my roots.
I’ve been lucky to know all four of my grandparents. And after my Grandpa goes, I will still have two very wonderful grandmothers. I grew up within 20 minutes of both sets, and my positive experiences with my grandparents is the reason why we choose to stay close to both of Madelyn’s sets of grandparents.
I am in awe, more than anything, that in 2011, Madelyn was born into a family of THREE great-grandmothers and one great-grandfather! Madelyn got to meet every one of them and Bryan even explained his very similar feelings when Madelyn met his then-only living grandparent when she was four months old. He wrote about it in December of 2011, and Grandma Jeannie passed away three months later. Her yarzheit, the anniversary of her death, was actually this week, and we are going to temple tonight to commemorate it.
Knowing that my Grandpa’s life will most likely be over in a matter of days, if not less, as projected by the wonderful and compassionate Hospice nurse, Madelyn will be losing another great-grandparent before her second birthday. I am just so grateful that she got to know my Grandpa, her Grandy, and even though he’s been fairly ill for all of her life (Alzheimer’s is a mean and nasty disease), I know he enjoyed spending time with her. Even when he asked how old she was 17 times in a single visit, he smiled wider than when he wasn’t with her. He always talked about how beautiful she is, how cute she is. He stared at her with true contentment on his face. We might have walked out the door and those moments never happened in his memory, but they definitely left their mark in our togetherness.
He’s 92. He hasn’t lived a short life. With three daughters and three sons-in-law, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, the youngest being Madelyn, he has seen the world and then some. And even though my most recent visit with him on Monday showed a dying man, to me, he looked like a well-lived man. He didn’t speak much — he can’t — and I really don’t even know if he knew my mom and I were there, but when he woke up for minutes from his frequent snoozes, he reached out for our hands and even had the strength to squeeze them lightly. He was cold, but I felt warmth. He was quiet, but he spoke love.
I don’t think that when he told me stories in his house or took me to my Girl Scouts square dance in first grade that I would have ever imagined I wouldn’t have my Grandpa at any point in my life. I’m sad that his time is coming to a close, but it’s a strange thing because it’s concurrently difficult and comforting. I’m just so glad that he’s been part of my life for so long, that he walked down the aisle at my wedding, adored Bryan like his own grandson, and his eyes twinkled for Madelyn.
When he’s finally gone, I will miss him, but I will be proud to take on the responsibility of talking about him and keeping him in everyone’s memory. Madelyn will know about him because we will talk about him. We will tell funny stories about him and even joke about how he chews everything — even Jell-o — for five minutes on both sides of his mouth. We will also talk about his generosity toward everyone and his well-dressed, dapper appearance. I even remember him charming all my friends in high school with a wink — always the flirt, in that cute old Grandpa way.
Life is short. This isn’t news to any of us. We always say this when something bad happens or when someone dies. My Grandpa will leave a legacy, though, not just in the people left behind, but as a reminder to me to be like him: thoughtful, kind, and loving. I think back on 30 years, and instead of taking him for granted, I know that he’s made life — his and mine — grand.
There are many benefits of playing poker online. One of them is
that there are no waiting lists or second-hand smoke and you can play any time
you’d like. You can also play the variety of games.
You can also play your preferred game at home.
Online gambling has become extremely popular
in the past decade. In 1996, there were only fifteen websites.
In 1997 there were more than 200 websites.
According to Frost & Sullivan, online gambling had generated $830 million in revenues in 1998.
Online betting has a number of advantages for both bettors and
the bookmakers. These betting websites allow gamblers to bet on their favorite sports and can also make them
money. They offer a variety of ways to deposit funds.
The player can pick the theme they like and choose
from hundreds of online slots, including classics
and brand newer releases. While the payouts may vary but they all use the same mathematical formula.
Online gambling is governed various rules and regulations. For example, in the US it is not possible to have
gambling websites that are located in your country of residence.
However, it can be set up elsewhere.
You can pick the theme you like and play a variety of online slots.
The payouts vary however they all use the same mathematical formula.
Look for the “Auto Spin” option to locate the best slot game.
The Internet has opened up many new opportunities for people who enjoy poker.
The popularity of online poker has increased dramatically
in recent years. Poker online is a great option if you enjoy the game but don’t have the time to visit a
casino.
There are many different treatments for addiction to gambling.
One-on-one counseling and medication, lifestyle modifications and medications are
all possible alternatives.
A player can select the theme they like and select from a wide selection of online slots, which include classics as well as brand newer releases.
The payouts can vary but they all follow the same
mathematical formula.
Betting online offers bookmakers as well as bettors many advantages.
Betting on online sites allows people to place bets on their favorite
sports, and also earn them money. These sites provide a variety of ways
to deposit funds.
There are many benefits of playing online
casino. You don’t have to spend a significant amount of money.
Many online casinos provide free games, and players are able to test them to determine which games they like best.
You can pick the theme you like and play a variety of online
slots. The payouts differ but they all adhere to the same
mathematical formula. To find the ideal slot game for you, look
for the “Auto Spin” option.
The popularity of online gambling has increased over the last decade.
In 1996, there were only fifteen websites.
In 1997, there were more than 200 websites.
The online gambling industry has become popular over the last decade.
In 1996, there were just fifteen websites. By 1997, there were more
than 200. According to Frost & Sullivan, online gambling generated $830 million in revenues in 1998.
There are numerous advantages of playing
online casino. It doesn’t require an enormous amount of money to join. Casinos online often provide free games
for players to play to discover the most popular ones.
Slots online are an increasingly popular pastime for millions of online casino players.
This exciting and fun form of gambling is excellent way to pass the time or to make extra
money. There are a myriad of games to choose
from and even free games.
There are many reasons why you should consider sports betting.
From the possibility of earning an income, to the
excitement and the chance to support your favorite team
in addition to the overall experience.
It is legal to play poker online However, make sure you’re of legal age.
Most online poker sites require players to be at least 18 years of age,
or at least the legal drinking age in your state.
The online gambling industry is governed by many rules and regulations.
In the US, for example, you can’t base gambling websites in the country you reside in however you can locate it elsewhere.
The player can pick the theme they want and pick from a variety of online slots, which include classics
as well as more recent releases with branded names.
While the payouts may vary, they all follow the same mathematical formula.
Casinos online offer a variety of benefits. You don’t have to spend
a lot of money. Many online casinos offer free games, and players can test them to determine the games they prefer
best.
There are many reasons to consider betting on sports, ranging from the possibility of making money to the fact that it brings excitement and something to be
a part of to the overall experience.
Online betting offers both bookmakers and bettors numerous benefits.
Online betting sites permit people to bet on their favourite sports and
can also make money. These sites offer many deposit options.
You can pick the theme you like and play hundreds
of online slots. While the payouts can vary but they all use the same mathematical formula.
Find the “Auto Spin” option to locate the best slot game.
Slots online are a popular pastime with millions of online casino players.
This exciting and fun kind of gambling can be an excellent way to have
fun and earn extra cash. There are a myriad of games to choose
from , and even games that are free.
Sports fans in New York are allowed to place bets online starting January.
8th 2022. Four major operators have obtained licenses for mobile betting, that
will allow them to offer their services in various ways.
There are many different rules and rules that govern online gambling.
In the US, for example it is not possible to establish gambling websites
in the country you reside in, but you can base it elsewhere.
The internet betting market offers both bookmakers and bettors many benefits.
Online betting sites allow people to place bets on their favorite sports and
also make them money. These sites offer many options for depositing money.
You can pick the theme you like and play hundreds of online slots.
While the payouts can vary, they all follow the same mathematical formula.
To find the right slot game for you, search for the “Auto Spin” option.
Poker online has numerous advantages. For instance, there are no waiting lists or second-hand smoke
and you can play at any time you want. Also, you can enjoy many different games.
Online gambling has become very popular over the last decade.
In 1996, there were only fifteen websites. In 1997, there were more than 200.
According to Frost & Sullivan, online gambling had generated $830 million in revenues
in 1998.
Fans of sports in New York are allowed to place bets on the
internet from Jan. 8, 2022. Four major operators have been granted licenses to
mobile betting. They will be able to offer their services in a variety ways.
The Internet has opened up a variety of new opportunities for those who
enjoy playing poker. Poker online has seen an incredibly rise in popularity
over the last few years.
There are a variety of rules and regulations that govern online gambling.
In the US for instance it is not possible to establish gambling websites in the country where you live however, you are able
to base it elsewhere.
There are a variety of treatments for addiction to gambling.
Some include one-on-one counseling, medication and lifestyle modifications.
This behavior can become an addiction if you cannot stop yourself engaging in it.
Gambling online has become increasingly popular in the last decade.
In 1996, there were just fifteen websites. In 1997 there were more than 200
websites. According to Frost & Sullivan, online gambling had generated $830 million in revenues in 1998.
You can pick the theme you like and play hundreds of online slots.
The payouts can vary but they all follow the same mathematical formula.
Find the “Auto Spin” option to locate the best slot game.
The online slot machine is a favorite pastime among millions of players at online casinos.
This thrilling and enjoyable kind of gambling can be an excellent way to have fun or make extra
money.
You can choose the theme you like and play a variety of online slots.
While the payouts can vary however, they all adhere to the same mathematical formula.
To find the perfect slot game for you, look for the “Auto Spin” option.
You can pick the theme you like and play a variety of online slots.
While the payouts could differ, they all follow the same mathematical formula.
To find the right slot game for you, search for the “Auto Spin” option.
Online betting offers a lot of benefits for both bettors and the bookmakers.
Betting on online sites allows people to bet on their favourite sports,
and also earn money. These sites offer a variety of deposit options.
There are many advantages to playing online poker.
For one, there are no waiting lists or second-hand
smoke and you can play any time you’d like. Additionally, you can play an array of games.
There are many different treatments for gambling addiction. One-on-one counseling as well as medication, lifestyle changes and medications are all alternatives.
When you cannot stop yourself from engaging in this behavior it
becomes an addiction.
Casinos online have many benefits. The process of signing up doesn’t require
you to spend a lot of money. Most online casinos offer free games, and players can try them out to determine what games they
like the best.
New Yorkers can place bets online on sports starting January 8 2022.
Four major operators have obtained licenses for mobile betting that will allow them to provide their services in a
variety of ways.
There are many reasons to engage in sports betting, from the potential to
earn a profit to the fact that it provides excitement and something to look forward to
the overall viewing experience.
The online slot machine is an increasingly popular pastime for millions of
online casino players. This thrilling and enjoyable kind of gambling is a perfect way to
pass the time or earn cash.
Gambling online is governed by many rules and regulations.
In the US, for example you cannot base an online gambling site in the country in which you reside however, you can base it elsewhere.
The internet betting market offers both bookmakers and bettors numerous advantages.
In addition to allowing people to place bets on their favorite sport online betting
sites allow them to earn money. They offer a range of options for depositing.
The online gambling industry has become popular in the last 10 years.
In 1996, there were just fifteen websites. In 1997,
there were more than 200. In 1998 the Frost & Sullivan report stated that
online gambling brought in $830 million of revenue.
Fans of sports in New York are allowed to place bets on the internet from January.
8th 2022. Four major operators have been granted licenses for mobile betting.
They will be able provide their services in a variety of ways.
Online betting has a number of benefits for both bookmakers and bettors.
In addition to allowing bettors to bet on their favorite sports online betting
sites also aid in earning money. They offer a variety of options for
depositing money.
There are many options for treatment for addiction to gambling.
Some include one-on-one counseling, medication and lifestyle modifications.
When you cannot stop yourself from engaging in this behavior,
it becomes an addiction.
Online betting has a number of benefits for both bookmakers and
bettors. In addition to enabling people to place bets on their favorite sport online betting sites also allow them
to earn money. These sites provide a variety of deposit options.
The popularity of online gambling has increased
in the past decade. In 1996, there were only fifteen websites.
In 1997 there were more than 200 websites.
Online slots are a popular pastime with millions of casino players
online. This fun and exciting game can be a great way for you
to enjoy yourself or earn extra cash. There are a variety of games to choose from , and even games
that are free.
Online poker comes with many advantages. Online poker is easy to play, and there are
no waiting lists and no second-hand smoking. You can also play many
different games. You can also play your favorite game from the comfort of your own home.
Online casinos offer many benefits. There is no
requirement to have an enormous amount of money to sign up.
Online casinos usually offer free games that players can play to determine
which ones are the best.
There are numerous advantages for playing online poker.
It is easy to play with no waiting lists, and there is no second-hand smoking.
You can also enjoy many different games. You can also play your preferred game from the comfort of your home.
The online gambling industry has become popular over
the last decade. In 1996, there were just fifteen websites.
In 1997 there were over 200 websites. According to Frost
& Sullivan, online gambling had brought in $830 million in revenue in 1998.
You can pick the theme you like and play a variety of online slots.
The payouts vary but they all follow the same mathematical formula.
Find the “Auto Spin” option to find the right slot game.
The online slot machine is a favorite pastime among millions of players
at online casinos. This thrilling and enjoyable type of gambling is an excellent way to
enjoy yourself or earn extra money.
It is legal to play online poker, but be sure that you are
of legal age. The majority of poker websites require
players to be at least 18 years old, or at least the legal
drinking age in the jurisdiction you reside in.
The internet betting market offers both bookmakers as well
as bettors numerous benefits. In addition to allowing people to
place bets on their favorite sport betting websites also help them make money.
They offer a variety of deposit options.
There are many reasons why you should consider sports betting.
From the potential to make a profit to the excitement and the opportunity to root for your favorite
team and the overall experience.
There are many advantages for playing online poker.
Online poker is simple to play, without waiting lists, and
there is no second-hand smoking. Additionally, you can play many different games.
You can also play your preferred game at home.
The internet betting market offers both bookmakers and bettors numerous advantages.
Online betting sites permit people to place bets on their favorite sports and also make them
money. These sites provide a variety of options for depositing.
Playing slots online is an extremely popular pastime for millions
of players at online casinos. This exciting and thrilling type of gambling is a
great way for you to enjoy yourself or earn extra
money.
There are many reasons to engage in sports betting, from the potential
to earn money to the fact that it gives excitement and something to root for to the overall viewing experience.
Poker players have numerous new options thanks to the internet.
The popularity of poker online has increased
significantly in recent years. Online poker is a great option if you enjoy the game but don’t have time to go
to the casino.
Sports fans in New York are allowed to place bets online since Jan. 8th, 2022.
Four major operators have been granted licenses for mobile betting.
They are able to offer their services in a variety of ways.
Online casinos have many advantages. You don’t have to shell out a large amount of
money. Many online casinos provide free games
for players to try them out to determine which games they like
best.
Gambling online has become increasingly popular in the last decade.
In 1996, there were just fifteen websites. In 1997 there were more than 200 websites.
According to Frost & Sullivan, online gambling had brought
in $830 million in profits in 1998.
Online casinos have many advantages. Signing up doesn’t require you to shell out a large
amount of money. Many online casinos offer free games and players can test them
out to determine which games they like best.
Poker is legal online. However you must make sure you’re legally able to play.
Poker sites online require that players are at
minimum 18 years old to play. However, some sites
may require verification before you download their software.
Online gambling is governed various rules and regulations.
In the US, for example, you can’t base an online gambling site in the country
you reside in however you can locate it elsewhere.
You aren’t allowed to bet on any type of bet even sports.
Poker players have a variety of alternatives thanks to the internet.
The popularity of online poker has increased significantly in recent years.
Poker online is a great option if you like the game but don’t have time to visit a casino.
Poker online is legal. However, you must ensure that you’re of legal age.
Online poker sites require that players are at least 18 years old to play.
Some sites will require you to verify your identity before
you are able to download their software.
Slot machines online are a preferred pastime for millions of players.
This fun and exciting form of gambling can be a great way for you to have fun or earn extra cash.
There are numerous games to choose from and there are free games
to play.
There are many treatment options for gambling addiction. Some of them
involve one-on one counseling, medication and lifestyle
changes. If you can’t stop yourself from engaging in this behaviour it
becomes an addiction.
The online slot machine is an increasingly popular pastime for millions of online casino players.
This exciting and fun kind of gambling can be an excellent way to have fun and earn extra cash.
Online slots are a favorite entertainment for millions of players.
This thrilling and enjoyable kind of gambling is a perfect way to pass the time or to make extra money.
There are numerous games to choose from and even free games.
The Internet has created many opportunities for those who love
poker. Poker online has seen an incredibly increase in popularity over the past few years.
Sports fans in New York are allowed to place bets online since Jan. 8
2022. Four major operators have obtained licenses
to operate mobile betting, which allows them to provide
their services in various ways.
The Internet has created a wealth of new opportunities for those who love poker.
Online poker has seen a rapid rise in popularity in the past few years.
There are many advantages of playing poker online.
Online poker is easy to play, with no waiting lists or second-hand smoking.
You can also play a wide variety of games. You can also play your favorite game from the comfort of your home.
Online poker has many benefits. Online poker is simple to
play, without waiting lists and no secondhand smoking.
You can also play a wide range of games. Furthermore, you can play your favorite game at
the convenience of your home.
There are many reasons to get involved in sports betting.
From the possibility of earning an income, to the excitement
and the opportunity to support your team of choice
in addition to the overall experience.
There are many benefits of playing online casino. You don’t need to have much money
to sign up. Online casinos usually provide free games for players to try to find the best games.
Poker players have plenty of new options with
the advent of the internet. Poker online has seen a significant
rise in popularity over the last few years.
Online betting has a number of advantages for both the bookmakers and bettors.
In addition to allowing people to bet on their favorite sports
online betting sites also help them make money.
They offer a range of options for depositing.
If you’re looking for window repair near me, there are some things to think about before choosing the business.
Be sure to select a company with a good reputation, and is insured and licensed.
A truly moving and loving tribute to my favoite Uncle. The chewing part gave me a chuckle as that is what I always teased him about when I ate Chines food at your house every other Sunday. I only have the most wonderful. loving memories of all of your family. Your Mom and Dad always made everyone around them feel speicial and loved. I will take all of my memories and smile every time I think of that wink.
Love
Cousin Fred
Beautiful.. R.I.P. Grandpa.
That was beautiful Alison. Thank you for sharing. I’m sorry for the impending loss of your grandfather but you are right…..he will live on in your heart and your memories!
Allison,
This made me bawl, what a beautiful and touching post. I lost both my maternal grandparents while pregnant with the boys and I am still so sad they never got to meet them. My last living grandparent (Bubbie) is also declining in health and it is such a difficult time. You were lucky to have had such wonderful times with him.
Sending Love,
Lisa (Jeff too!)
what a beautiful tribute. He sounds like a wonderful man. Wishing you and your family much peace and love in these tough weeks ahead.
Ali, this is such a sweet post. It very much pulled my heart strings. This past summer I lost my paternal grandfather. He was my first grandparent to pass away. The only thing that got me through it was that he passed away with a loving family surrounding him, and knowing that he had THREE great-grandchildren on the way, including Abigail. His birthday was this month, just like Abigail’s and I can’t help but hope there is some bigger meaning in the universe that he passed away knowing about her, but never getting to meet her. I wish you strength in these upcoming days.