The end is near............

[Viking 0]

For the past few days my grandpa has been been getting weaker and weaker. Through the last two nights he has been making this odd noise nonstop all night, we had to knock him with a .25 mg of adavan. In the morning he couldn't/wouldn't get out of bed. He has what looks to be pink eye. Then like an hour or so ago he told my mom while she was feeding him that the reason he was making those noises was b/c the Devil is coming................................... needless to say that knocked me for a loop. While i was helping him in the bathroom while i had time to think and all the stuff that i had been stuffing away broke loose and turn me into a ball of mush. i had to get my mom to take over. I went in my room and tried to get ahold of myself. Then my grandma came in, which only turned the water works back on. We sat there and talked for a little bit and then i went and took a shower and really let it all out. The way things are going that ash jump isn't far off.
Just thought i would let you guys know whats up since you are my second family in a way.
I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver

[freeflir29 0]

Dude!!! Death is a natural progression in life. It sucks to have to say good bye but we all have to do it. Go in and say anything you ever wanted to say. I have lost a couple people in my life and the worst part is the things un said. Say them now while you have a chance. He has lived a very long life and that should give you comfort. He has seen more than most of us ever will. Celebrate life.....not death!!!!
"I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"
Clay

[Jessica 0]

I'm really sorry honey. It's so hard, I know. I lost my grandma this weekend. You know it's coming, but that doesn't make it any less horrible. Hugs.
Pet me! I'm harmless and cute!

[mikefarmer 0]

Viking, my prayers are with you and the fam. Follow Clay's advice, getting to say everything to my mom before she died helped both of us immensely. Your skydiving family is here for you!
Mike
Sky World

[Viking 0]

Clay i know what your saying i made that mistake when my other set of grandparents went in 96. The hard part this time is that he is so mentally out of it that anything i say he won't understand.
I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver

[MiataDRM 0]

Arthur,
I realize there isn't anything that I can say that will heal your wounds or make your grandfather better. I just wanted you to know that u are in our thoughts. I'll agree w/ Clay, make sure you speak what's on your mind to help you get closure down the road. Just remember, there is nothing wrong w/ crying & letting it out & at times it helps let out some tension or built in stress...crying is a normal emotion...just like laughter. You can always turn to us as a family for comfort & a shoulder to lean on. Jessica, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your grandma. Celebrate the lives they had and the ideals they held dear to themselves.
**I'm humbled!
Majdi

[TheMarshMan1 0]

Hey Viking,
Just wanted to say that I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts. I know how hard it is to lose someone close to you- believe me, I've been down that road more than once. Even if your grandpa doesnt understand what your saying to him, its best to say it anyways. Think about all of the good times he's had, or you've had together- that helps a lot too. Anyways, take care of yourself and your family and know that your "second family" is always here for you too.
-Marshall

[NtheSeaOrSky 0]

Quote

Clay i know what your saying i made that mistake when my other set of grandparents went in 96. The hard part this time is that he is so mentally out of it that anything i say he won't understand.

Viking,
You might be very surprised how much they do understand! Will he remember the color of your shirt? prob not, will he remember what you say or the feeling behind it? most likely. You are a lucky person to be able to be with him at the end, it may not seem that way now, but you will see. Its hard on you I know, but please make sure you get/give lots of hugs and smiles, that it what will make it easier on you after he is gone. Those are the things you will embrace remembering! And funny as it may be, those two things can always be understood!
~~good thoughts and big hugs

[skybytch 273]

Ah Viking... I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I recently lost my last grandparent and watching the final days is truly difficult.
Hang in there, and know that by being there you are doing a very good thing for him. Dying surrounded by a loving family is a priceless gift; be happy that you're able to give this to him in his final hours.
pull and flare,
lisa
--
"Where's my beer?" - Al Stephens "Oh, was this yours? - Lisa

[canopycudler 0]

Hugs and love from all of us. Your grandpa probably knows that the end is near.. and like Clay said.. Celebrate his life becuase athough it brings sadness to you.. it brings peace to him. I remember right before my grandma died she opened her eyes for the first time in days..she made since of nothing before this point.. she sat up in bed and said "these angels are soooo beautiful.. i need to go.." and that was it.. she layed back down and passed about an hour later. That brought a warm peace over everyone. Listen to the song "holes in the floor of heaven" it'll make you smile.
none better said than "Peace, Love & Soul"...
Tina

[Viking 0]

you guys are awsome. Who ever says skydivers are a bunch of mental patients needs to read this. well ok most of are still mental patients
I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver

[freaksister 0]

My thoughts and prayers are with you, freakbrother. I think it is wonderful that you are helping take care of him. That in itself shows him and your family that you care. I am glad you shared this with us, that is part of the reason we are here! To help our fellow skydivers.
Hugs,
Sis
Fear not your death - fear having not really lived. Willie Sinsel, KS.

[Viking 0]

they just put him on 24 hour care an ordered O2 the nurse says its the beginning of the end.
I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver

[kingbunky 3]

...but friendly mental patients!!!
"Jumping out of planes for the thrill of it all."
-J.Geils Band

[Viking 0]

unless you cut someone off on final then its war!
I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver

[Viking 0]

hehe he is a skydiver at heart, he just asked for a bear!!! LOL I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver

[freefallfreak 0]

Viking,
Hey, dude. I've only got this to say. I didn't know him personally, but through your posts, I've come to like the old guy a lot and think he's really cool. Thanks for letting me share his life with you a little. May
God be with you and him always...and remember - HONK!! HONK!! (that honk-honk thread was one of the coolest I've ever read.)
FFF

[Viking 0]

bwahahahahaha i almost forgot about that!!!
http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forums/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=forumtalkback&Number=28154&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1
I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver

[skymama 37]

Viking (and Jessica), my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families also.
Andrea
The brave may not live forever, but the timid may not live at all.

[harro 0]

Viking and Jess,
Thoughts are with you. Can't really give you any more advice than what everyone one else is giving you.
On to the next!!
Freemind, freesky, freebeer, freefly, freesex

[Albatross 0]

Arthur,
I know that this has been hard on you but you have been a great man throughout. I know that the people who know you have only respect and love for you and the way that you delt with this. NOthing that I could say will help but remember that even if you do not think so you made his last weeks and months special and much better. Much peace and love. You always has a family here that understands about tough losses.
God bless us and God Bless America
Albatross