Last week my Opa (grandpa) took a turn for the worse. On Tuesday he was so bad hopice was called, and they didn’t think he had much longer on this earth. I didn’t find out about a lot this until last weekend, mostly because I’m 6,000 miles away.
Although I knew in the back of my mind that Opa wouldn’t live forever, I never really thought about him dying. When I was a little kid he was like a superhero: this huge man that would play any sport with my brother and I. We’re not little kids anymore and he’s not his former superhero self anymore. Even as the years passed and his Parkinson’s and heart problems worsened, I always viewed him as this incredibly strong guy who would never give in. The reality is everyone has to give in, it’s part of the plan.
The best thing about all this is that I know Opa knows and loves the Lord. He’s been a God-fearing Lutheran for decades before I was even thought of, and I have no doubt in my mind that when he’s finally called home, he’ll be going to the welcoming arms of Jesus. In that respect I’m almost jealous, because I can’t wait for that day myself.
Of course, he’s impacted all of our hearts so much. When he actually does leave us, there’s going to be this Opa-sized (and that’s not small) void in all our hearts for a long time.
If you could please join me in praying for my Opa I’m sure he and our family would really appreciate it.
Just a little update on Opa. We spent Wed-Sunday with him and Oma, visiting him 2X each day at his nursing home and while his condition(s)(Parkinson’s & heart disease) are taking their courses, we were encouraged that he seemed to improve a little every day we were there.
At last report, he’s now able to walk short distances again, unassisted and seems more lucid than last week.
Doesn’t sound like Opa’s quite ready to leave MO yet but we all appreciate everyone keeping him in your prayers.
D.O.D.
Comment by Ranzdad — February 28, 2007 @ 10:50 am
Even laying in a nursing home bed, hand wrapped in a bandage, oxygen tube under his nose and his hair really messed up…it was crazy to me to still see how handsome Opa is. When people tell me I look a lot like my Opa, I can’t help but feel good cause he’s one of the best looking guys around.
It was great to be there as Opa got better and see that progression first-hand. When we first arrived, he could barely sit up in bed and we couldn’t understand a single word he said when he spoke. Just a day later, he was pedalling down the hall in a wheelcar, doing physical therapy, and speaking in full coherent sentences. Opa has never been a “Yes”/”No”/”Thank You”/”Your’re welcome” type of guy; no, he’s more of a “Why, I believe so”/”I must decline”/”Much thanks to you”/”Much ablidged” type of guy, so that was a big relief to hear him speaking coherently again.
Dad said he was talking with him one evening, saying “Opa, you look kind of tired. After all it is getting rather late.” to which Opa replied to by checking his watch and saying “Well, it is just little past 8 o’clock.” To some, that’s not such a big deal, but for someone who was mumbling incoherently the day before, that’s definite progress.
When his time finally does come, I won’t be sad for him. As Christians, we believe that this life on earth is as close to hell as we’ll even know and judging by the look in his eye when he smiles and laughs, I think he hardly knows a thing about it. Though he had some trials and tribulations in his early years through the depression, etc., he’s lead a life that most envy and that I hope I can experience even fractionally.
When dad and I were sitting in his room, kidding around and teasing each other to pass the time, I was just waiting for Opa to look over and give us one of his legendary “Now, cut that out!”s. Haha.
Comment by Ken — March 1, 2007 @ 11:19 am
Thanks for sharing that bro. I felt like I was there. If only the rest of us could respond to questions so eloquently.
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