Spread Your Wings

Today has been a very sad day. I got news that my Grandpa passed away this morning. He had been fighting for some time now, and now he's in the presence of our good Lord and Savior.

The last time I saw him it broke my heart. He wasn't doing well and wasn't coherent. Without his oxygen he wasn't "all there". He had just came through congested heart failure.

Then, my birthday came, and he called. I missed his call and he left a message. I didn't know how to get a hold of him to return his call. That's the last time I heard his voice, and I still have the voice message. He told me, "I'm doing good, Jessica, don't worry about ol' Grandpa. I haven't smoked in a long time. I hope you have a happy birthday." I was so happy to hear from him and I couldn't believe he remembered my birthday. My dad was shocked that he remembered on his own as well. How happy he made me.

Then, about two weeks ago I got a call from my mom telling me he was in ICU and was diagnosed with congested heart failure and pneumonia. He was incoherent again and was on a breathing machine. He didn't move for 3 days. He remained in ICU and they ran test after test on him. He was on oxygen again, but was still very confused. We then learned he had pulmonary fibrosis and his lungs were no longer able to absorb oxygen. Mom said one day they visited and he told them he had been swimming all day. This makes my heart smile. Even though he wasn't physically swimming, he was in his mind, and he was having a good time.

Yesterday, mom called me again and told me that my dad had to move him to hospice and they gave him about a week to live. A week. A week turned into not even 24 hours. Today, he passed away.

He was a great man and I will miss him dearly. He loved Evan and I so much and he was very proud of us.

Grandpa, we will continue to make you proud, and I know you are smiling down on us from heaven. We love you. May you rest in peace.

I know your life on earth was troubled

And only you could know the pain

You weren't afraid to face the Devil

You were no stranger to the rain

Go rest high on that mountain

Son your work on earth is done

Go to Heaven a shoutin'

Love for the Father and the Son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us

We gathered round your grave to grieve

Wish I could see the angels' faces

When they hear your sweet voice sing

So go rest high on that mountain

Son, your work on earth is done

Go to Heaven a shoutin'

Love for the Father and the Son

So go rest high on that mountain

Son, your work on earth is done

Go to Heaven a shoutin'

Love for the Father and the Son

Go to Heaven a shoutin'

Love for the Father and the Son