When Makeup doesn’t really matter for one night
November 8, 2006 by Shannon Nelson
Filed under About Me, Our Beauty Tips
I was getting ready to do my nightly makeup post when my mother Im’d me that I needed to call my grandfather or else. I kind of whined that it was 10 at night and that I had a lot to do yada yada yada, but I knew I was just avoiding calling him.
My grandfather turned 81 yesterday and is the light of my life, however, he had a stroke recently and his health is not good. So I tend to avoid talking to him because it really puts me in a depression.
So when I called, he was ecstatic to hear from me, but it just saddened me to hear his voice. His first words were, “Shannon, I am not in really good health, but I haven’t stopped praying that you have a healthy baby.” He struggled for words and you could tell it was hard for him to think and put everything together. He had lost 36 pounds over the summer, but was proud to tell me he gained 3lbs back.
He told me he would be here for Christmas (they live in Florida), but I felt such a sadness wondering if he would really make it to Christmas. When I got off the phone, I came back to the computer and just stared at the screen. It was really hard to formulate a post about makeup when it was the last thing I could think of.
Hi Shannon – my heart goes out to you. I have grandparents who I am extremely close to. Thankfully they’re in fairly good health at their age, but I just know that this won’t be the case forever. You and your grandfather (and your new baby) will be in my thoughts and prayers!
I’ll be keeping you and your grandfather in my prayers, Shannon! My grandparents all passed before I graduated from college, so they never even got to meet my husband. My husband’s grandfather passed away this summer, just a couple of months before we found out we were pregnant. We made it a point to talk to him on the phone and visit him (they’re in VA, we’re in OH) as much as possible in the last several months before he died. I thought it was kind of sad and depressing just like you said, but I know it meant the world to him and Grandma, and I am now happy that I had the chance to see him as much as I could. All I can offer is the suggestion that you cherish this Christmas with him.
I’m so sorry to hear that. You’re right nothing is as important as family. Good for you for having your priorities straight!
Oh god *hugs Shannon* . My grandfather passed away 10 years ago and I still cry buckets for him everytime I remember him. He’s the best friend I’ve ever had when I was a kid. Your family will always be in my prayers. I’m sure your prayers will be well listened by God because you are a gentle and kind soul. Take care of your health as well, for the baby too.
Thank you everyone. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Shannon, this post almost made me cry (I can’t because I am at work). But I am so glad you took the time out to talk to him, because I think elderly people appreciate little gestures like that. I know it makes you sad, but think of how happy you made him. It’s those little things – sending a card, making a phone call – that can make the world of difference in the twilight years. My heart goes out to you and your family, and your grandpa is very lucky to have loving relatives like you.
Perspective always gives us the opportunity to reexamine our priorities. Thanks for being so honest with us, and I will send good energy to you and for your grandfather.
I can really relate to you on this one…i’m beginning to see how forgetful and oblivious my parents seems to be. =/ it’s so sad feeling you’re grandparents so close, yet not in their minds. but like julie says, good energy is the best we can all give each other. =)