My Grandpa died last week after a battle with esophageal cancer. "Boppa" as we called him will always be remembered with a smile on his face. "I Can't Deny It" was an expression we frequently heard from him.Boppa did not want to give in to his illness. Until the end he was determined to fight it. Boppa continued to walk around until the day before he died. He would not let his illness incapacitate him.
Since I was canceled at work that night I decided to stay the night and help out as my Grandma was exhausted. My cousin Scott stayed also, he is a Hospice RN. It was a special night sitting up talking to Scott, watching "Catch Me If You Can" and watching over my Grandpa. Scott and I would quietly go in and care for my Grandfather, trying not to wake my Grandma.
Boppa said a few things to me I never want to forget. When I asked Boppa how he felt he said "Great, nearly great." I also said, "Boppa, it's Denise" and he looked up at me and said "Denise, a beautiful girl" and then took a big deep breath. My Uncle Steve said it was a compliment and I took Boppa's breath away :). I remember every time I asked Boppa if he was hurting he would say no. I wonder if he was being brave for our benefit? He seemed in pain every time we moved him. I also remember Boppa telling me "I am ready to go now" when I told him I was spending the night there to help care for him. He died a few hours later.
I have such fond memories of that night. I am so thankful to have been there.
________________________________________
The service for Boppa was so beautiful. What a great way to honor and celebrate Boppa's life!
As I look through these pictures I feel very blessed to have such a outstanding family.
It was so emotional seeing all of the Grandson's carrying the casket. I think I may have "lost it" as they did that little group hug thing.
The Pallbearers
Presenting my Grandma with a flag "on behalf of a grateful nation."My Grandpa was a pilot in the air force during the war.
Boppa was so proud of his posterity.
Boppa had: 5 children
28 Grandchildren
78 Great Grandchildren
1 Great Great Grandchild
It feels so sad knowing it will be a while until we see Boppa.
I am so thankful for the knowledge I have that I WILL SEE HIM AGAIN!
I Love You Boppa, I Can't Deny It!
10 comments:
He sounds like a wonderful man.
That was a nice way to honor him.
You have such a great (HUGE) family.
Boppa must have been a great man - I can't deny it! He has left a great legacy behind. Best of wishes during this sad time.
So sorry to hear about your loss! I spoke with your mom a couple of weeks ago & knew that he was nearing the end. I saw them several times at the oncologist office, always with a smile on his face. Your dad told me something there that stuck with me: "When we decided to come to earth we rejoiced that we could return. I am having a hard time rejoicing." Hang in there! We love your family so much!
Denise-
Sorry to hear about your loss but feel blessed that you had so much time with him. It makes me a little sad that my kids won't remember much about their papa since he passed away and they are so young, but I'm glad that they will see him again just as you mentioned in your great post. If you guys need anything just let Jenny or I know. Hang in there!!!
What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing those memories, we are blessed to know the Whole Plan! :)
Okay...bawling here! What a sweet tribute to an obviously amazing man. So sorry for your loss. The funeral looked beautiful and such a nice big family to honor him and comfort eachother. Neat to see!
Denise thank you so much for that post. It was beautiful. I heard that you and Scott were able to stay with Boppa that last night and help. We are all so grateful that you would do that. It was so great to see you this past weekend.
Wow! What a touching post and a sweet tribute to your Boppa! I am so sorry about your loss...thank goodness for wonderful memories to carry us threw hard times! Hang in there Denise!
What a great legacy and amazing post! you brought tears to my eyes!! It's amazing how close the veil is and how the gospel can help such a hard thing be such a beautiful thing. Love ya and sorry for your loss!!
Thanks for the good cry Denise! I'm glad you shared the experience you had with Boppa his last night. It was so touching.
Post a Comment