I come from a long line of beautiful people. No, I’m not saying my ancestors were all models, but my family is and has been beautiful on the inside.
My dear sweet Grandpa is one of those most special beautiful people. He is a good man… one who cared for and took care of his family. He lived his life with integrity and honesty. He worked hard…. very hard.
Recently my Grandpa has resided at Thorncrest in Albert Lea. He has been there for 3 years. Thorncrest is 2 blocks from my parent’s home.. the home I grew up in. Every day at 4:00 pm, my parents go to see Grandpa for an hour. This is in additions to other random visits, hair cuts, mass at Thorncrest etc… Lately though, my parent’s schedule has not been the same.
On February 1st, my Grandpa was moved to Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul. He has dementia and had become agitated at Thorncrest and needed more help in balancing his medications so he was moved for a short term to get him back on track.
Grandpa was resting when we arrived. He was in a large room with several other patients. The sunshine was smiling upon him, which caused Grandpa to close his eyes. We brought him to a family room to spend some time with him. The room was private and quiet. We spent quite a while trying to rouse Grandpa from his slumber. He has difficulty speaking clearly and mumbles quite a bit. We did hear something like “sunshine bright” which is why he didn’t want to open his eyes. We convinced him that some pretty good looking people came to see him and he should take a peek. With some conversation about his shoes and how he had fitted so many with shoes of their own, as he was a shoe salesman for years we were able to get a few smiles. He also sold clothing at a high end men’s clothing store in Spencer Iowa. When he was a young man, his family ran a service station. He smiled when we reminisced with him and began to button his shirt. He always wore a shirt and tie. His lifetime work ethic was still in him and he wanted to get back to work. We told him it was Sunday and he had the day off. That satisfied him for a while.
Lunch came and we sat him at a table. When the food began to be uncovered, Grandpa caught sight of the cookie on the plate… first thing he grabbed! He did end up eating pretty well, but finished the cookie first. After lunch, he wanted to get up again. This time to go get some candy! I asked him what kind he liked, and he was mumbling so I asked him if he liked chocolate. That was an instant and positive, yes! I went to the cafeteria and came back with some chocolate pudding, two raisin cookies and a couple packages of Oreos. Before I got the selections out of my mouth, he grabbed one of the raisin cookies. No question my Grandpa has a sweet tooth! He has been a disciplined eater all of his life and all of that has been thrown to the wind. He now eats what pleases his tastebuds.
The day couldn’t have been a better day. I enjoyed the time with Mom, Dad and Grandpa so much. These moments in life are absolutely priceless.
On the way to see Grandpa.
Sleeping in the sunshine when we arrived.
Trying to see Grandpa’s baby blues.
Dad helping Grandpa button his top button.
Trying to understand what Grandpa is saying.
Time to get up and go to work.
Grandpa loves Dad’s backrubs.
Looking out the window.
Haven’t even got his napkin secured and he has his hands on that cookie!
Grandpa has learned. Life is short.. eat dessert first!
Trying to be good and get some vegetables in between bites of cookie!
Have to button that shirt again.
Grandpa and his doctor.
Getting his meds mixed in a chocolate malt.
Jacob’s coat of many colors.
Mom writing a prayer to tuck into the coat’s pocket.
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