The Weekend

from the mom

Last weekend we were scheduled to have a family reunion at the Oregon Coast. My grandfather's strokes changed that and we postponed to a later date. I did get to see two of my cousins who had come from British Columbia and California and they were able to visit with my Opa.

Instead we spent the weekend in Corvallis and I was able to visit my Opa 4-5 times. There were high and low moments, glimpses of the person I know. He would hold my hand with his left one and I could still feel that strong grip that could make a person writhe in pain without his ever intending it. I told him that he still had that "Oregon timber faller's grip" and could still probably beat me in an arm-wrestling match and I saw his trademark grin.

He is a kind and good patient beloved by all those who take the time to see him as a person. He cooperates to the fullest and tries his best to move his limbs. My Opa can tell a million stories and he still has them to tell. Only the words won't come.

There is never enough time with someone you love. Now that I've finally taken up a little gardening (in pots on the porch) I wish I could get some advice about my tomatoes. He had the most amazing garden well into his 80s. I would like to hear his thoughts on the financial crisis and hear again his stories of the Depression. (Thankfully my mom had him tell many of his stories on a DVD last year.)

He will carve no more swings out of old tires, or make any more wooden stools, and he won't make Ben his very own sling shot. But he still gives me courage as I watch him continue on each day, doing what he can to encourage those around him. Just by trying.