Grandpa at his 90th birthday last September. He was surrounded by family and so happy.

Grandpa died this week, peacefully, with family by his side. He was at the hospital for an eye exam and he fell last week and hit his head. They zipped him over the ER where they were able to run some tests and monitor him. The bleeding continued and his very brave children made the very hard decisions to honor his wishes and allow him to die peacefully. They admitted him to the hospital where comfort measures were provided, and for one long weekend we took shifts at the hospital, holding his hand and remembering him fondly. Monday morning, February 22nd, he took his final breath.

It has been a whirlwind since then. Family arriving, many tears shed, logistics to sort out, a house full of memories to sort though, divide up, and decide how to handle. But through it all was the peaceful knowing that Grandpa was comfortable now, and back home with Grandma, whom he loved so dearly.

Grandma and Grandpa with me and Rosy. Christmas, 1981

Grandpa at work, many, many years ago.

I love this picture. Grandpa with Nana, Grandma, and me. Easter, 1981.

A card from Grandpa’s funeral service.

He was a strong man, a loyal husband, caring father, fun grandpa, and a silly Popcube. He was smart and kind. He lived a strong life. He was loved and will be missed.

Grandpa with a puzzle Eve had made for him for his 90th birthday. She drew him wearing his Scrabble sweatshirt, holding a model airplane. Grandpa loved it!

We just played a rousing game of Monopoly that ended when the banker and the realtor mutinied, holding houses and hotels hostage. For some reason they didn’t want me building hotels on Boardwalk and Park Place.  😄

Up next, make-our-own-rules Monopoly!  Calvinball style.  Yay for vacation!

Yesterday I went in for carpal tunnel release surgery on the right side.  It all went smoothly, as expected. I had sedation and local anesthesia and the whole process was about two hours, with the surgery itself less than 10 minutes.  They run an efficient process at the outpatient surgery center!

Heading home. Don't worry, Alan is driving!

Mema and Grandpa Tom stayed with the kids.  When I got home everyone worked together to make sure I followed doctor’s orders: Rest, ice, and elevate!

Ice and elevate

Bedtime was tricky. 😄  I’m not a back sleeper and it’s hard to get comfortable like this.

Ice and elevate, all night long!

I managed though and had a great night’s sleep!  I woke with a full bladder and an achy hand, but at reasonable hour!  And not burning pain!

I have this bulky wrap for 48hrs, then I can remove it and just put a bandaid over the incision site.   They told me to expect some bruising and soreness on my hand, and the best way to minimize that is, you guessed it, rest, ice, and elevate!

The kids have vacation this week and the weather forecast today is awful, so we have big plans for games all morning then a movie in the afternoon when I’m all gamed out!  Everyone has been super sweet and helpful. 

Next month we repeat the whole process on the left side!

I worked at the PTO concessions fundraiser again this year and the kids got to take in another Dartmouth hockey game. It was a good game and D won 2-1 in OT! I was ready to go after we closed the booth partway through the 3rd period, but the kids wanted to stay until the end. Good thing too. It got exciting at the end!

Grandpa Tom was with us and picked the best seat, but the kids wanted to be front row so they hung out with a buddy right by the (plexi)glass!

Can you see them down there? They were chanting and cheering and probably bothering everyone around. :)

I wanted a good picture, but they gave me this. Look at that attitude!

I kept snapping until I got this. Those are the smiles I love. :)

Look who made front page of the sports section this morning!! (Look past those hockey players ;) )