Wednesday evening Nicole called and told me that her grandpa was getting very close to passing away, and it did happen yesterday morning. He was 91 years old, almost 92. He had lived a good life, was respected and liked by everyone who knew him. He was the sweetest, happiest old guy. I didn’t meet him til just after Addie was born, which was 8 years ago but at that time, he was driving, they still lived in their own home and he and Nicole’s grandma would stop by often to visit with Baby Addie. It’s pretty sad how quickly they went downhill in 8 years. He stopped driving, then went into a nursing home. Nicole’s grandma passed away in January of this year. Even before she passed away, the grandpa was starting to have some memory issues. Sometimes I would take Addie by to see them and it was obvious the grandpa wasn’t sure who we were. It wasn’t a big surprise since he hadn’t know me that long but he wouldn’t remember Addie either. It was so sad. But, now he has passed away and I believe grandma and grandpa are together again and everything is perfect!
But, last night Chad called to make sure I knew about grandpa. I told him Nicole had called me and told me. I told Chad that a friend I had gone to school with had passed away Wednesday. It was a guy I started first grade with, and went all the way through high school with. His mom taught with my mom so if the teachers had a meeting after school, there were several of us teachers’ kids who would play games or go outside and play tetherball . . the good old days when it was safe for kids to be outside by themselves.
Anyway, I told Chad and he said “Mom . . face it. You’re getting to that age where a lot of your friends are going to be dying.” What? I’m 66. We should have lots of years left but I guess at Chad’s age, 66 is pretty ancient and it appears to him that we all have one foot in the grave.
Carolyn says
This week I had a friend me tell me I’m staying too busy and needed to slow down. Gee Whiz! All I was doing was checking things off my “to do” list for the day. I didn’t want to deal with any of the later this week. At 67 I still feel like I’m in my 40’s most days.
moneikquilts says
This made me laugh out loud! I’ve said this plenty of times, but it’s when 90 year olds are passing away, not 60 year olds.
Nelle Coursey says
I am sorry for the loss but I am glad those two are back together again. And yes 66 is still young!! I just turned 71 and I don’t think that is old! LOL But I do think age is a state of mind! We have a mutual friend who also quilts and she called you the energizer bunny!! She thinks you are great also! Her name is Mary Strange Prater. She lives in or near Ft. Worth now. Her husband James works for the railroad.
goonyburd says
We’re the same age. Not old!
Old is always 10 years older than you are now. LOL!
katie peterson says
That is my thoughts exactly, maybe even 20 years…
Susan Nixon says
I have it on good authority – old age begins at 83! I’m sorry about your loss, and about Nicole’s. I agree with you; they are together again now.
Dorothy Matheson says
My Mom is 95 and is in her own home. Now I did have to move in with her a year ago because she cannot manage on her own now. Yes that is old . I am so lucky to have her.
Lee Young says
I’m a year older than you, and our small school in Oregon where I too spent 12 years along with many others. Oddly enough, we have lost none of the gals, but the guys, we’ve lost so many over the years for a variety of reasons. The first was by his own hand at 21, then there have been accidents, and in more recent years, cancer. We’ve lost three in the last year or so. We have big reunions every 10 years, and a picnic on the 5-year in-between. Many of the gals still within local distance to the town, meet once a month for lunch (I wish I were there, but it’s nearly a 900-mile drive). Reunions will be smaller. Next summer is our 50th.
Condolences to Nicole and all on the loss of her grandpa.