Foreman's Appreciation Dinner

I sure appreciate my foreman! So, I was thrilled Bruce was once again invited to the Foreman's Appreciation Dinner at the Doubletree Hotel. They had a great buffet. Then, they give each person a $500 chip to use at the gaming tables. If you get up and sing, you get $500 more for each song. So, we held on to the 2 we were given and I earned us another $2000!! When I asked to sing my 5th song, I was denied!! They were going to start the dancing....which was fine. I got up there and shook my pom pom!! I don't know where Bruce was but I didn't care. I figured he could be his boring, shy self but I was getting it on! I sat out for one song and before I knew it Bruce....(who told everyone that I was the biggest ham) got on the dance floor ALONE to break it down for the rest of the guys. He completely out Hammed me. His moves took up the whole floor like an olympic gymnastic floor routine!! I was laughing so hard...his sister, Jill, was there and she was shocked!! We joked that maybe someone spiked his drink. The couple next to us thought for sure we both were lit.! I can vouch, we were stone cold sober. I'm so glad he got to have some fun and relax. He can still my thunder on the dance floor....But, if he ever thinks about trying to dominate karaoke, we will have a serious problem.

Saying Goodbye

My sister called on Thursday to say my Grandpa wasn't well. It wouldn't be long. She was going to have my mom call. My mom called me while I was on my way to get Spencer at school. She confirmed it. He would be gone soon. I canceled my lessons and such, loaded up as fast as I could, and headed to Red Bluff to be with my Grandpa for whatever time he had left.

I came into the house and was met with warnings. "Grandpa is pretty out of it. He doesn't respond to us much. He hasn't recognized anyone. Etc." I walked to his bedside, prepared. "Tanja, Is that you?" Clear as day, the words came from him. He knew I was there. Ahhhh. The relief. I would have my last moments knowing that he knew I was there. I kissed him softly and said Grandpa, "I think it would be so wonderful if you surprised your mother on Mother's Day. She would love that."

I sat with him, holding his hand, touching his face, brushing his hair. My sister and I bathed him as we have before. Sarah shaved him. She always takes great care of him that way. More waiting. I brought some music to play for him. I've been practicing. I knew this day would come and I wanted to be prepared. I pictured him resting peacefully, listening to the sacred hymns he loved. I envisioned my music would move him onward. He had other plans I guess. The house was full of his children and grandchildren. We all came in and out, taking turns loving on him. I know he loved being surrounded by his family.

Last night, I snuck in late. Around 11:30pm. My uncles were getting him settled for the night. I knew it wouldn't be long. My grandpa laid so solemnly. It was so quiet. Just myself, my dear Grandma, Uncle Chip, Uncle Charlie and Grandpa. We knelt in family prayer around his bedside. I kissed him good night and let him be. I wanted so badly to stay. I would have laid on the floor next to him just to have a few hours more. But, I left him with my grandmother, his wife of 60 years.

I guess he agreed with my Mother's Day idea. He left this world early this Mother's Day morning. What a great blessing to have him as my grandfather. What a great blessing to have had the pleasure of serving my Grandpa during his last months and hours of life. What a great blessing to know he is finally at peace.