Grandpa

My grandpa passed away yesterday. He was 97, and a great man. He was an Army colonel in his younger years, a teacher and continuing world traveler in his older years. I lived with him and his wife (after my grandma died) through four years of college, in the garage apartment of their house. He was a stern father, but a soft grandfather and great-grandfather (and dad to his grown kids). He had a delightfully wry wit and a sweet smile. He enjoyed life and survived losses and struggles with dignity, sense of humor and perseverance.

He's been weak and frail for a few years now, but especially so since his hip break a few months ago. He said he'd been seeing his mom and his late wife "around" lately, and that he was ready to go, so I know that he is truly in a better place- hopefully with all of our family who have passed, and friends he's missed as well.