I was thinking today while I walked to my daughter's school about my husbands grandfather Lowell Alley Wells. I was thinking how I never knew him the way the rest of the people in the family knew him. But I was also thinking how much I loved him and that I hope he is watching our little family and is pleased.
When Rob and I got married we moved in with Grandpa to help take care of him and his house. He had Alzheimer's. It was difficult to be newlyweds and not have very much time alone. Grandpa had a few quirks. He always woke up with a swear word. He always had the same breakfast and for dinner he wanted to be able to distinguish what he was eating. Which was challenging for me. He was very sweet to me though. He didn't know who I was but he was always kind. He liked to hear music. I would play the piano sometimes and he would sit and listen. One time he remembered the hymn I was playing and sang a little bit. We actually only lived with grandpa for four weeks. After those four weeks he was moved into an assisted living home only a few blocks away. once a week I picked up his laundry and visited with him. He still didn't know who I was but he always seemed glad to see me and I enjoyed sitting with him. He talked about the city he could see out his window and the weather.
About three weeks into our stay with grandpa in his home my father had a heart attack at work. I found out that he was in the hospital in bad condition while I was at work and I called Rob who was also at work. I drove home and he ran home (his work was only a few blocks away). I drove home crying. I didn't know if my dad was even still alive. Rob met me on the doorstep and we went in to call family and find out what hospital had my dad. Grandpa was there and noticed how upset I was. He was so sweet and kind to me. He was concerned and I felt so loved by him. That was all but it made a huge difference in my life and I have remembered it often.
I hope he and Rob's grandma Willie are watching us and are glad we are in their family. I am glad I am in theirs.
1 comment:
This was very sweet. I didn't know your father passed away so soon after your wedding. How wonderful that he was able to see you married and to know you were happy. I realize now the last time I saw him was at your wedding. And he was very happy.
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