Grandpa SeeSaw

My husband had two sets of grandparents growing up-Grandma and Grandpa V. and Grandma and Grandpa SeeSaw. I was fortunate enough to get to know Grandma V and Grandma and Grandpa SeeSaw. It's pretty lucky to be able to gather memories with your spouse's grandparents. Grandma V lived in Scottsburg for awhile and I remember going to her house before prom Junior year and doing the whole picture thing. Lots of good memories with Grandma and Grandpa SeeSaw, like going to the Cubs game with the Etherington side of the family and Grandma SeeSaw's 80th birthday at the Indianapolis Cabaret Theater. It was a "Black and White Affair" featuring the music of Stevie Wonder and Elton John. I had the worst hangover of my life (it was the day after the Buening-Kurtz wedding) but had so much fun with Jared's fun family.

The phone rang right befor 6 am last Friday and we knew it wasn't good. Jared's dad asked for Jared, I heard Jared mumbling and saying he'll be there. Grandpa SeeSaw (Hank) passed away in his sleep. We knew the day would come when a loved one would pass away, but this kind of took us by surprise. We tried to hard to get the three of us home but it just.did.not.work. It was the first time that I realized the distance. Technology fools us, but technology can't do a thing about finding three empty seats on a transpacific flight on Memorial Day weekend. I found a route for Jared that wasn't selling overbooked seats (pet peeve, but that's business) and he was Stateside bound Sunday morning. As luck would have it, it was a horrible flight to Chicago (he had the window seat on the back row, which had a box underneath it, and being the back row the seat wouldn't recline) and his flight to Louisville was canceled. He made it home, though. He made it to celebrate his grandfather's life.

Hank was a very peaceful, generous man. He was so kind to me in welcoming me into his family. From what has been shared with me the celebration of his life was lovely, just like him. I am so thankful that Jared made it home. I am so thankful that Finn got to meet his great-grandfather and that his great grandfather got to meet his great grandson. I am thankful to have the family that I have.