The Hardest Thing I Have Ever Done...I Can't Deny It

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.

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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!

A 'WICKED' Great Night!

We had a "WICKED" great time at WICKED! What a cute show. Olivia sure enjoyed it, and it was fun to see her having a great time! It was a nice opportunity to have some fun after a hard weekend, my Grandfather passed away on Saturday. My Mom, Aunt Kristen, Aunt Charee, and my cousins Wendy and Robin went with us. Thanks for the great night gals! Can't wait for the next one..I am thinking Phantom, Annie and Mary Poppins, anyone interested?

Oh, and we ran into my good friend Beckie (because I am so Pop-u-lar toss, toss ;) , and her daughter Megan, and hubby David. Small world...they were sitting about 10 seats down from us!

Zachary "Helping" Dad

Zane and Zachary painted the swingset! It looks great guys! Strong Work!

Summer Fun!

Jakey-Boo

I love this picture of Jacob. I just wish my camera was working better! I am having trouble with the lighting on my camera.

Father's Day!

For Father's Day we met my family at Mary Coyle's Ice Cream in Phoenix. This place is very sentimental to Zane and I...it was where we got engaged 12 years ago! Although, I am sure we enjoyed it more 12 years ago. Zach and Jake were CRAZY that night, we had just gotten home from a road trip and they had been couped up in the car all day long! They were not about to sit down...even for ice cream! Well, hope we didn't spoil anyones Father's Day!

We surprised Zane and got him the i pod touch he has been eyeing! He was totally shocked! I love surprising people! Zane's i pod died a few weeks ago, and Zane has been using Olivia's. I am sure he is glad he will not have to listen to Jonas Bros anymore while he is jogging!

The Reason I Keep Mace Poolside!

So does anyone know if this is a dangerous breed of dog? He frantically tries scaling the wall everytime we go out back. I had some friends over last week and one of them told me his paws are all bloody. I am too scared to go too close. I stood on a chair to see if it looks like he is on a chain, and he practically ripped my face off. (okay this may be an exageration, but he certainly scared the crud out of me.) He wants to use Jake as a chew toy, I just know it!

I have tried going over to talk t0 the owners but no one ever answers. Apparently only a big, unfriendly, scary dog lives there. Why would someone rent a house for a dog? Things that make you go HMMMM!