Our Last Drive

Dear Grandpa,
 

September 2nd was the last time I saw you
It was the last time I spoke to you
It was the last time I hugged you, and the last time the words I loved you swept through my lips
Reminiscing on our final moment together, I came to the realization that it was far beyond my conscious that it was our last
 

It seemed to be an ordinary day
When a 17  year old girl crusing ostentatiously, on the street of Emile Zola, took you on your last drive through memory lane

We were in a 1938’ chevy I was repulsively hitting the brake aimlessly

While I was filled with nerves driving you around for the first time

But yet you sat there cherishing the beauty of that very moment
Later that afternoon I dropped you off
We stood in front of the antiquated, royal purple chevy, and took your last picture
That's where we said our final goodbye
Two days later I got the news
You were gone...
 

I knew life wasn't the same for you after you had your stroke
The things you once had passion for, you no longer could do

The more I think, the more I regret

I was blind when it came to seeing how much ache and discomfort you were in for all those years

No matter what though you never stopped loving those around you
You sat through school functions, award ceremonies,and  sport events for all your grandchildren
You hiked

You fought through fatigue

You fought through the displeasure of fluid medication, and open heart surgery to be there for your family
 

Grandpa, do you remember one of the last things you

wrote on social media?

You wrote "Madie drove me in the '38 chey today, Thanks Lyle & Madie! Great truck & chauffer!"
 

I want to thank you instead
I’m thankful for everything you taught me

I’m thankful for all the compassion you’ve expressed to the ones you care about

I’m thankful for every moment I had with you

I’m thankful for you teaching me the meaning of life

I’m thankful for you collaborating on the true definition of being humble

I hope I have your blessing to follow in your footsteps and continue to make you proud
I'll take care of Grandma, and don't ever forget how much I love you.
 

Sincerely,

Your Granddaughter,  

Madalyn