A birthday and a passing

After a long week, my grandfather passed away on Saturday, Jan. 24, Anne Marie's second birthday. It was a long week. I didn't have a real father, and my granddad, along with a few other people, filled that role for me. I'm going to miss him a lot.

When I knew my grandfather's death was imminent, I thought we'd just postpone Anne Marie's birthday until things were a little calmer. But, on the day of her birthday, before we knew Granddad was gone, my grandmother said we had to get her a cake, and she called relatives who hadn't arrived yet, and told them to pick up presents on the way. It was only an hour or so later that my grandfather died.

At about 5 p.m., my grandma cleared the kitchen table, and set up the cake. We sang Happy Birthday and opened presents. It was a nice diversion, and it put a smile on everyone's face. In fact, I think that little girl was a blessing throughout my family's tough time. I took her with me to the hospital to see my grandfather and pray with the priest after he was taken off the respirator- the doctors said he would live 30 minutes, and he lived for more than 30 hours. While the priest was praying, Anne Marie sat behind my grandmother and quietly patted her back.

At the funeral Mass, Anne Marie didn't make a peep. I'm not talking about a typical toddler's good day in church. I mean she sat there completely silent for the entire hour, quietly laying in my lap. The only movement she made was when she took a Mary prayer card and held it up to show it to the statue of Mary. It's funny, but it's how I knew my Granddad was there- he didn't tolerate misbehavior during Mass. :) At the burial, she was quiet, didn't try to run around, and even said "Amen" at the right time. All this was after three trips to Twin Falls in the car, several days without a nap and several late nights that ended in hotel rooms.

So here's a few things about both my grandfather and my little girl, who now share a special day:

Ten things I love about Granddad:

1. He was an incredibly spiritual man- he converted to Catholicism after thinking about it for 17 years. It wasn't a decision he took lightly. I think too many people today convert to different religions just to please someone, rather than following their heart. He followed his heart.

2. He cared a lot about his family, and his gifts were always well-thought out. Most of the time, Christmas gifts came from "Grandma and Grandddad," but they were really from my grandma. But, once in awhile, I would get something special from him. When that happened, it was obvious he had thought about it awhile. He made me a dollhouse and doll bed. He made me, my brother and mother stilts. One year, he got us all tackle boxes.

3. He had funny sayings I never heard anywhere else. At his burial, all I could think was, "It's colder than a witches' tit out here." Not a PC saying, but it sure stuck in my mind. :)

4. He took us fishing and skiing.

5. He had an incredible sweet tooth- the man LOVED pie and candy.

6. He was absolutely thrilled to have a great-granddaughter.

7. He was proud of his World War II service, but didn't care for all the show and recognition.

8. He took wonderful care of a son with Down Syndrome in a time when most children with Down Syndrome were institutionalized.

9. He always appreciated a visit.

10. He knew every single lake in the Sawtooths, and could always tell us if it was worth the hike.


Ten things I love about Anne Marie... coming at nap time.