Last month my grandpa celebrated his 90th birthday. Paul and I headed to California to join the celebration. Unfortunately, my grandpa has Alzheimer's and doesn’t remember any of the family – I’m not even sure he remembers my grandma. During the party we showed pictures of grandpa’s life on the TV, and even though I’ve seen the pictures a million times, I cried. I was saddened by the fact that some of my most wonderful childhood memories are because of my grandpa, and those memories are lost to him. I was saddened because the things that were his everyday life are no more.
From the time my sisters and I would arrive at my grandparent’s home when we were kids until the time we left, grandpa was constantly engaged with us granddaughters. It seems like he took us to the beach or Knott’s Berry Farm nearly every summer weekend. He taught us how to bowl, play cards and board games. There was no time for TV. If we were in a play or had a recital, grandpa showed up. He would push us on his tree swing and share his half gallon of ice cream – yes, he ate that much in a day or two with a sprinkling of peanuts on top. Grandpa always had time for his grandchildren, and I’m a better person because of his care.
If my grandpa’s memory returned I would make sure he knew how grateful I am to have a grandpa like him.
Grandpa George
Grandma and grandpa
Paul and I at the party
A boy and his ice cream
The family
There were several more family members at the party – aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents – because we celebrated not only my grandpa’s 90th but also my mom’s 60th, my aunt’s birthday and my sister’s birthday. However, I’m not sure how they would feel being on my blog so I opted not to include those pictures. But I’m so thankful for all those who showed up, it was a blessed day of memories.
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