I miss him but I know he's here

Hi everyone. I'm new here and back in February I lost my grandfather to Alzheimers. When I was younger I spent a lot of time with him at his home up north but I lived four hours away and once I started school I didn't spend as much time up there as I would have liked. about 6 years ago he was diagnosed with the disease that we all are here to discuss and help each other through. At the time I was 13 and didn't really comprehend what the disease was and what was going to happen to my grandfather. about 3 years ago he was place in a nursing home about five minutes away from my house and twenty minutes away from my dorm. I visited him as much as I could but not as much as one would like. Near the end it became difficult to see what had become of him because he was no longer the happy, fun loving Pappy I had known for so many years, he was a thin faced sad looking man who's eyes only showed confusing and a look of being lost. I had started to finally comprehend what was going to happen the last time I saw him which was right after Chirstmas of 2006. I knew it would probly be the last Christmas that he would be with us. In February he passed away and everyone went back up north for the funeral which was a funeral held that would only be for him. There was laughing and happiness, and of course there were tears but you could tell that he was in a better place. As he lay in his casket he even had a little smirk that he was all too well known for. I will always miss him but I know in some way he will always be with me.

Again so GLAD the 2 of you can share now

Mom is here with me as well

I feel your pain I honestly do

Be well and know YES he IS HERE watching over you's and whispering to "keep going and live " for him

God Bless

LYN

Tara!!!! its you, yeah I know how you feel. He would of liked it very much. Remember the pictures that were showing and there was one of pappy wearing an afro? it looked good on him.

Tara, I am glad you got on here too! The video of you guys attacking him with waterguns was the best and showed the fun times you spent with him during your early years. With every single one of us he was always a fun loving grandpa! I think along with you when he was first diagnosed we were all on a new learning expeirence with Alz. He did live closest to you during his last few years and I imagine it was hard to see him. I know just looking at photos now of him over the past two years you can see the huge decline he had each time. Probably why we were able to handle his passing as well as we have. Knowing he is back with us, knowing who we are agian, and always with each of us. I miss him too but agree with the fact that I know he is still here. Perhaps I take to much to be signs but I have had a few since we lost him. I listen to his CD pretty often and know the songs on it popular or not. Twice songs have come on during certain moments that link my connection to him. Once was in the store when I went to get a card for Meme an uncommon song came on. I sent him many cards when he was in Westgate. Another time was just a night I was thinking alot about him and it was the only song I listened to on my way home. In an email I recieved a link to a page with the same song on it. Another thing was when Jim went to Indiana on vacation his aunt had a pappillon named Pepe. I'm sure you know this but the pappillon is the same breed Dodger was. Anyhow perhaps I am a freak looking to deep but I know he's here!! Anyhow can't wait for your arrival and I'll see you next week! Love you!! Shell

I remember you telling me those signs Michelle.

Missing our loved ones I don't think will ever go away. But it is nice when they reassure us they are still amungst us with the signs they send to us. Lyn I'm glad your Mom sat, and spent the moment with you. Not everyone gets that connection and I feel we are blessed to know and have it. Shell :)

Wondering how you are making out

I am going with my 32 yr old son to his dad's grave for Father's day
My daughter Cait lost her father to diabetes alchohol ( sp)and I am doing something with her with his ashes ( or just some of them ) for Fathers day

Then having a dinner for my dad

Have been thinking about you alot and worried about you

Post when you can

Luvs
Lyn

YOU are so right he is with you always dont ever forget that sweetie

Glad you went to beach with cousin and had a great time

LUVS
LYN

The way it always comes about to let you's know he is always with you
Thanks for sharing hun

Take care

LYN

Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing

LYN