Missing Grandpa

It was 5 years ago today that my Grandpa Kristianson passed away. I miss him so very much. I think of him often. I regret that he never met Roger and did not see just how happy I have become. My life is wonderful and it is sad that I cannot share that with my Grandpa.

I was always close to all my grandparents. The Kristiansons lived in North Dakota so I saw them often. The Schmids were in New York, but we saw them almost yearly, and as I got older I wrote letters and called them often. I loved (and still love) all my grandparents. When Grandma Kristianson passed away, I was in 9th grade. She was the first person close to me who died and I was quite affected. The nearly two years my grandpa was alone was excruciating to watch. I was extremely happy when he found Olga and married her. I saw her this past Christmas and delighted in spending some time with her. We reminisced about Grandpa. She gave her approval of Roger. I realize that life and family always move ahead, even when the Grandpa's body does not.

My Grandma Schmid lives in an assisted living facility on Long Island in New York. I haven't seen her for 3 years. I talk on the phone with her now and then, but she has a difficult time hearing me and sometimes doesn't know who I am. My Grandpa Schmid died when I was 20. He was a good man. I enjoyed long talks about everything under the sun. He was smart and caring, and a bit sarcastic at times. Grandma was lonely after Grandpa was gone and started forgetting things. Memory is a difficult idea to grasp; if you don't use it often, it goes away. Grandma told me many stories about growing up and courting Grandpa. I treasure those memories all the time.

Yes, I am sad that my Grandpa is gone. I know he, and all my other grandparents, are always with me, watching over me, but sometimes it doesn't feel like enough. I am lucky to have been close to all my grandparents, so many of my friends barely knew theirs. I will always treasure every minute spent with them. Life is precious. Enjoy every minute you can and surround yourself with those that make your life better.