Four Years
Today's blog is a tough one for me to write. Four years ago today, my Grandpa Nayder passed away. I think of him almost every day - but the ache of losing him doesn't really go away for me. I was extremely blessed to have lived with him twice. Once was while we all still lived on the southside and he was recovering from knee replacement surgery. I stayed with him for about a month while he went through physical therapy. The second time was when he, along with my family, moved into a related-living house in Homer Glen. Although I have numerous wonderful memories of him throughout my childhood, the time spent with him in Homer Glen is the period I treasure the most.
During that time, I got to know my grandpa in a much more personal way. It was so great to see him every day and to exchange hugs and stories. After I graduated from college, I took some time off and was his full time care giver for 8 months. I took him to his appointments, to the bank, I ran his errands, put away his groceries, did his laundry, etc. I was his personal assistant. I learned about the things he needed so much so that I could anticipate what he was going to ask for even before he could find the words. We developed quite a relationship; he became almost a best friend to me. We talked about all kinds of things, he gave me advice and encouragement, and I'd like to think I did the same. After those 8 months, I knew I needed to take the next step in life and find a job.
I remember one particular day on my way home from work- it was during autumn, the sun was setting and hitting the trees just right that the colors were incredibly vibrant. I called home and suggested to my mom that Grandpa, she and I all take a ride as soon as I got home to look at the colors on the trees. We all piled into my grandpa's van and off we went for a drive. We had no real destination - we just drove to see what we could see. We saw the most beautiful colors that day. I don't know that we could have planned it better to have picked a more perfect day. My mom and I both still remember that day well and carry that memory with us.
My heart breaks to know he is not with us now, but I am comforted by the idea that he is with my grandma now in Heaven. I have no doubt that is where he is, as my grandpa was one of the best men I have ever known. I wish that he could have been at our wedding as I would have loved to have had a dance with him, but deep down, I know he was there. I like to think that he and my grandma were dancing right along next to us.
