Grandpa

Katie D.

August 30, 2010 - 11:14 PM

My grandfather, my mother's father, had a stroke yesterday morning. My mom is out in Minnesota with my grandparents, which is really lucky. She's with them at the hospital, and it looks like Grandpa will be OK, but it's a scary thing. I've spent today not really knowing what to do with myself, so I've been talking with family when I could, spending a good amount of time praying and sending love their way, and generally trying to be easy on myself. It's a scary thing when a family member is in pain, and it feels like I'm a long, long way away. There's nothing I could do if I was there, but it feels like I should be trying to do something more.

My Grandpa John is a wonderful man. I've spent a part of almost every summer of my life out in Minnesota with my mom's family. I spent countless hours in their old barn, climbing the trees, and running around on the hill and in the house overlooking the corn fields. My grandfather is a retired Jack-of-all-trades: farmer, cop, bus driver. My memories of him are of an active man finally taking a break. I remember him in the big rocking chair, him letting me drive the ride-on lawn mower, him showing me the old farm tools in the garage. He has this huge, resonant voice that can shake the table. The house smells like coffee and cooking and wood and age. He wears black suspenders and a series of shirts my mom has sent him for birthdays over the years.

They moved into a townhouse in Watertown a couple of years back. The new house smells like them already, but I miss the old farm. But Grandpa's still just like he is: telling his stories, speaking in his slow voice and telling us jokes, and reading his novels in his big comfy chair.

I hope things will be OK. I'm sure they will be. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's recently, my grandpa is a powerful guy. Strong and determined to stay that way. I've been calling more often, and he's proud as could be of my, my sister, and my cousins. He loves hearing about my Master's program, and about my life out here in Eugene. He tells me stories from his days as a police officer, and updates me about life in Watertown (as small town as small towns come).

Update: September 5

Things are going much better with Grandpa. He's regaining strength, has been taking off the breathing machine, and is talking clearly (and clearly voicing his desire to return home). He has strong mobility on his right side, and hopefully the left will come back with physical therapy. He has pneumonia, but it looks like he should be OK. His family is there, including my mom, who will be heading back to Colorado soon.

I'd like to ask a couple of prayers of you, friends and readers. First, if you're the praying type I'd surely appreciate a prayer or two for my grandfather and my other relatives out there with him, especially my grandmother. If you're not the praying type, then a thought sent their way would be just as appreciated. Second, I made myself a goal on Saturday (that's before Grandpa's stroke) that I was going to try to be in better communication with my family. It can be hard being away from the folks you love, away from giving and receiving the support we all rely on. So I'd ask that you write a letter (everyone loves getting good mail) or calling someone. I'm sure there's someone who needs a call. A letter can be short.

This blog is written with love for my grandfather, John Hermann. With so much love.