Missing Family

Ryan was supposed to have a "Concealed to Carry" Class today from 8-5:30...so he left the house at 7:30 am this morning. He returned at 8:15, because it turned out the class isn't until tomorrow. It was quite a surprise to me and excitement that I would get a WHOLE day of Ryan to myself. I think his misconception was meant to be--because I received a call from my Mom and Dad at 10:30am telling me that Grandpa Rudy had passed away. If I wouldn't have had Ryan there to hold my hand today--this would've been a really tough day.

This morning he passed away in his home, at the presence of my Grandma. My Grandma and Grandpa were the most devoted, in-love couple I have ever seen. Whenever they spoke of each other--twinkles were literally seen in their eyes. Now my Grandma is going to have to face life without him.

All I wish is to have been able to see him one more time. When I saw him at Thanksgiving, he was in great health. I never would've dreamt about it being the last time seeing him. I was expecting to see him in May when I visit this summer. He had been in the hospital for 2 weeks, but was discharged home on Thursday. I thought he was on the slow road to recovery. I never got to visit him in the hospital, I never got to give him a good lasting hug, I never got to say goodbye.

All I can do now is think about how wonderful of a man he was. As a child, I would go visit him at the shop next to our house while he worked on his engines (not as much time as my sister, Lisa, did...who practically grew up in that shop). I remember getting so excited hearing his old pickup rolling down the road to our house. Within seconds I would be running across the yard to visit him at the shop. I don't even remember what we talked about when I'd go visit--I just remember watching him work and enjoying the moments spent. (I'm sure I just talked his ears off.....)

What I wouldn't do right now to be able to go back in time and spend time with him. I would go to the shop, and learn as much as possible about his life. I would ask so many questions. He was such a wise man wish so much experience. He has seen so much. He's been through the great depression, he served in the war, he raised a family, and he watched numerous grandchildren grow before his eyes.

All I can think about is how essential it is to know, experience, and love the lives that surround us!! Don't wait for "next time you visit" to really hug those people, because you'll never know if that's the last chance you'll get. Never be shy to really tell them how much you love and honor them. For when they are gone from your life.......all you will yearn for is to tell them that they impacted your life.

So NEVER forget to tell your family how truly loved they are. Experience and enjoy every moment that you get with them, for those moments are treasures in history.