Bad News Comes in Threes...or Odd Numbers.

It's hard to know how to write a post like this. But to simply omit it from happening doesn't seem fair either. This past weekend my Grandaddy passed away after 93 years of life.

He had a heart attack this past spring and really hasn't recovered since. He had another heart attack this past Tuesday. Long story short, I really didn't even try to get there in time because I didn't think it was going to even be possible. But surprisingly, I made it to his bed side an hour before he passed. I just still can't believe I made it in time, and that close.

We decided that after 93 years, and the last year being as rough as it was on him, that this was a celebration of his life. He is no longer in pain and getting to enjoy the company of all of those he's lost in his lifetime. He really was ready to go, he's told us a thousand times since his last heart attack.

But, before he left, I think he wanted us to get a feel for what life was like in the early nineteen hundreds. The night before the water pipeline to his house (where he was at, and therefore so were we) broke. So no running water for a full day. A storm knocked out the only cell phone tower in the town (small town) so cell phone communication was out. Eventually, even the land line went out due to another storm that came through. About the only thing that didn't go out that day was the satellite TV. Because, lets be honest, even he couldn't be so cruel as to not allow people to watch college football. That had to be done, he was the sporting worlds biggest fan.

I do have to share this one particular story with you of the ultimate of all the technological breakdowns. I went with my mom, two aunts and uncle to the funeral home to make the arrangements. We reached the part where they take you to the room with the caskets and give you a tour. The funeral director had just left the room and shut the door to give us time to talk about which one we wanted to pick. Then, out of no where, the power went out. I don't know about you, but I am pretty sure if there is anywhere I don't want to be when the power goes out is at a funeral home especially not in the casket room. I am telling you that it was so dark in there you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. People asked why didn't you run out of the room or get out your cell phone for light? I am telling you, those thoughts weren't close to my mind. The thoughts that I had went something like," what was that breeze? Was that a noise behind me? I don't remember someone being behind me! Did it suddenly just get a lot colder in here? Am I really hanging onto my aunt? Or is that someone or something else? What if something grabbed me right now, what would I do?"

I kinda thought the funeral home had just not known anyone was in the room and accidentally turned out the light but when they came and announced that they were looking for a flashlight I realized this was a bit out of their hands. Then we heard thunder. Dang, another stupid thunderstorm! I swear on the way over to the place I was thinking about bringing an umbrella but vetoed it because it didn't look like there was any chance for rain. So much for that!

The lights did come back on and I was glad to see everything in the room looked to be the same as before. We quickly made our decision and got the heck out of that room. Now that's what I call high pressure sales!

After that everything seemed to work like normal again (thank goodness). We had a lovely funeral for him. My brother was able to make it and he actually gave the Eulogy. What is strange is when they asked him to do the Eulogy, one particular story of my grandaddy popped into my brain. I didn't say anything to my brother about it, but that is the exact story he told! It's a really funny one that I will have to share sometime.

I was glad I got to see so much of my family. I have an uncle that works in retail and can never make it home for the holidays. It had been years since I had seen him! Also, my Grandaddy has a 97-year-old sister that I've never met. She lives on the other side of Georgia with a bunch of her side of the family. She and a lot of that family made it to the funeral. I think she could've been the sharpest person there! She kept walking me around (no walker or anything) and introducing me to people. She never forgot a name or detail. I was soooo impressed!

But I can say, they sure do know how to cook some delicious food there! I really think I might've gained ten pounds because of this funeral. It's just so hard to turn down such great southern cooking. Most less, the endless desserts that followed! It did almost make me forget about the lights going out in the casket room....well, almost.

I'm glad I got to see/meet so much family. It just is never fun when it is under those circumstances. But like we've said a thousand times, he hasn't been comfortable or feeling well for months. He had a nice long full life. He is where he wants to be now. And now it is our turn to accept and understand that. And send him our love.