Earlier this year, Mr. Handsome’s 82-year-old grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. The diagnosis was sudden, and he had only missed a few of his regular tennis matches when he received the news. In a matter of weeks, he was told that the cancer had spread, and while he did some chemo treatments, it wasn’t long before it became clear that the cancer wasn’t going away.
While his health started to decline, Grandpa’s positive attitude remained, as did the enjoyment he got out of spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The last time we saw him was in September, when the family got together for Grandma’s birthday party. Grandpa spent most of the day on the couch, but he refused to make the celebration about him, even though we all knew that it would likely be his last extended family gathering. Even though he wasn’t feeling well, you could tell how much joy it brought him to see us honor his wife.
A few weeks later, my mother-in-law sent out a group text to let us know that Grandpa had had a difficult day and was feeling very nauseous. To cheer him up, some of the family went over to his house to sing with him and crack some jokes. At 9pm, while Mr. Handsome and I (and Little Buddy) were driving home from dinner with friends, I got the feeling that we should give Grandpa a call.
No one had given any indication that they thought the end was near, but I still thought we should talk to him, just in case. So while I drove, Mr. Handsome called. From what I heard of the conversation, it sounded like they were having a great time over there. Grandpa could only speak softly, but he was still aware of what was going on, and we were told that he was enjoying himself.
Mr. Handsome told a neat story that we had heard that evening, about the connection between President George Washington’s inauguration, the consecration of the new nation to the Lord, and the September 11th terrorist attacks. Grandpa was a veteran who loved history and was open about his patriotism and his devotion to his country. He was also a devout Christian who loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength.
We ended our phone conversation at 9:30. Grandpa was starting to look sleepy, so Grandma tucked him into bed, and the family that had been visiting left, with plans to return the next day to see him. Soon after we made it back to our house, we received a call from my mother-in-law. Grandpa had passed away in his sleep. The news was unexpected, but it was a blessing that the Lord took him home before the cancer really took a toll on his body.
The funeral was emotional (especially when Mr. Handsome and his brothers started tearing up on stage while singing) but it was neat to hear about Grandpa’s childhood, his service in the military, his conversion to Christianity, and the many ways he had impacted his family, friends, and community.
Anonymous
Sorry to hear about Mr.Hansome grandpa.
My Grandma died when I was 9 years old from lung cancer. The doctors told the family she wouldn’t live past Thanksgiving but she did and then they said tell Christmas of 1980 she live tell February of 1981.
The last time I saw her was in 1978 or 1979 for Christmas.
Ellie
Thank you! That must have been very hard to lose a grandparent at such a young age.
Ellie
Anonymous
Ellie it was specially when you don’t see her much . I live in another state then my grandma did.
CJOHN
My prayers are with your family.
Ellie
Thank you! Much appreciated. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Ellie
Anonymous
Mr.Handsone’s grandpa is 4 years younger then my mom.
Ellie
LOL. These grandparents are very young compared to mine. Mr. Handsome’s other set of grandparents were much older than these ones, as well.
Ellie
Kay
What an amazing and full life he must have had! I’m sorry for you both to lose him here on earth. The older I get the more I realize it’s really not that long of a life here… we’ll be seeing them sooner than we think!
Ellie
Thank you, Kay. I agree, time seems to move quicker and quicker. Our lives on Earth are but a moment compared to eternity.
Ellie
Anonymous
Sorry to hear about Mr. Handsome’s Grandpa. I also know what it’s like loosing a grandparent. How is the Grandmother? I can only imagine loosing a spouse.
Ellie
Thank you! She’s a very strong woman, but I know it’s been hard for her. Thanks for asking.
Ellie
Alayna
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Handsome’s grandfather.
Ellie
Thank you, Alayna!
Lauren
So sorry to hear about this! My husband’s grandpa died in June. He had been diagnosed with glioblastoma in May. We were fortunate to travel back to Iowa to see him one last time over Memorial Day. We found comfort in knowing that his faith was strong until the end and that his suffering wasn’t prolonged. As hard as it is, I think that knowing there is no more pain makes the hurt a little less.
Ellie
Thank you, Lauren! Very sorry to hear of your loss, as well. So glad you were able to see him one last time before he passed away.
Ellie
Eileen
So sorry to hear of your loss. I pray for you all to have strength and God’s support. I especially feel for Mr H’s Grandma. So glad you phoned when you did. I believe in those feelings. Eileen
Ellie
Thank you, Eileen. And thank you for your prayers.
Ellie
Regina
Ellie
I’m so sorry to hear about that Mr. H lost his grandpa. I will be keeping all of you in my prayers.
Ellie
Thank you so much, Regina! Hope your fall is off to a good start.
Ellie
Candi
Yes, My sympathies to you both as well…ironically I still have 1 set of grandparents alive yet-in their middle 80’s-but both my in-laws (mom and dad) are gone and my dad is gone, so is my other set of grandparents gone, so that leaves us with only 1 mother left and these grandparents! Both my mominlaw and dad died the same year, 3 months apart, and dad in-law died 3 years later. Anyway, here’s hoping much comfort and peace will make its way into the hearts of your grandma and yourselves.
Ellie
Thank you, Candi. That must have been a rough time, losing so many family members so close together. They must have been young. 🙁 Do you live nearby your grandparents and mom?
Ellie
anon
so sorry to hear about mr handsome’s grandfather. how awesome you had that feeling and you were able to talk to him one last time. cancer sucks. i recently lost my best friend to breast & liver cancer. 5 weeks from diagnosis to death. she was only 52
Ellie
Thank you for your condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss! That must have been so hard to lose your best friend.
Ellie
Elise
I’m so sorry! I know what it’s like to loss a grandfather.
Sometime I would love to hear Mr. Handsome’s story!
Ellie
Thank you, Elise! I will share it soon. 🙂
Ellie
Marilyn
Sorry about Mr. Handsome’s grandfather’passing. He is now at peace and pain free. Hope you all can take comfort in your memories. Rest in peace. Please accept our deepest sympathies. God Bless.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Ellie
Thank you, Joan, Marion, and Marilyn. Hope you ladies are doing well.
Ellie
Anonymous
My sympathy to Mr Handsome and you Ellie. Thank-you for also sharing this difficult, inevitable, time.
Ellie
Thank you for your condolences. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Ellie
Syll
My condolences to you and Mr. Handsome,and his family..
So glad you had the feeling to make the call ,
May he Rest In Peace xx
Ellie
Thanks so much, Syll!
Ellie
Stacey
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mr Handsome.During this difficult time.God bless you all.
Ellie
Thank you, Stacey!
Ellie
Barb
I’m so sorry to hear of Grandfather’s death. I know it is such a difficult loss. But you will find such joy in the future, telling Little Buddy the special stories about GreatGrandpa. It sounds like you have many wonderful stories to share. We have shared so many funny stories about my dad with our grandchildren that they feel like they know him. But what is really special is that someday you will look at Little Buddy and see your Grandfather in Little Buddy’s smile or something he says or the twinkle in his eyes.
Ellie
Thank you, Barb. We do think that Little Buddy has a bit of Grandpa in him. 🙂
Ellie