December 13, 2006

• Sad news...

  My granddad died this morning. And I'm all weepy over here, but it's okay. For years, he was a pretty hardened Buddhist, literally covering his ears when my sister would ask him about the Bible. But in the last month, while he's been hospitalized and in intensive care and then the scaled back hospital-not-quite-hospice care, he's asked to be sung Amazing Grace. He talked about the Bible as an "important document that everyone should read." He said that he knows he's going to heaven and hopes that everyone else in the family has their hearts right with God so that we can all be there. That's amazing! I can't even begin to describe what a difference that means!

  I was waiting for the phone call at any time since his lungs were gradually filling with fluid since he lost the ability to swallow or cough or even clear his throat. I guess last night things took a turn and all his children flew into town from NY and elsewhere to see him one last time. My last goodbye was this weekend, but really, I'll remember the visit before that when Chris and I visited, and he was awake long enough to sing with us for a little while, remembering all the words to these classic songs like his alma mater MIT's school song. Then gave us his signature fierce hug and handshake. I miss you already...

  • 2:45 pm
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