Grandpa Bradds

When I posted my last update (nearly a month ago again!), I had recommitted myself to updating my blog again on a somewhat regular basis. However, the very next day, we got the call we'd unfortunately been anticipating. Keith's grandfather was only given hours to live by hospice. Keith and I had been going back and forth on when we should go up to Ohio--should we see him before he died or go for the funeral? We really wanted to give grandpa the chance to meet Avery but we also really wanted to be there to support Keith's mom and honor grandpa at his funeral. I left the decision up to Keith. Up until the point when we got the phone call, Keith had thought that we'd just go up for his funeral. However, after talking to his mom that Saturday, Keith decided that he wanted to head up in the hopes that we'd get to see grandpa and say goodbye before he passed and still be there for the funeral.


So, my Saturday went from what I'd anticipated to be a relaxing day by the pool to a chaotic mess of organizing, packing, and driving. It is no easy task taking this show on the road, let me tell you! I think we left home around 7 pm and made it to Keith's mom's house a bit after 2 am. Even though a road trip is rough and barely getting any sleep is rougher (up early with the kids on Sat., finally got to sleep around 3:30am, and then up again for the day around 8am), this is far and away my prefered way to travel! I would so sacrifice my sleep for a QUIET car ride where the kids sleep. Oh, it is so worth it!!!!!


Much to our amazement, grandpa woke up on Sunday doing much better then anyone anticipated. We went to spend some time with him and introduce Avery. Grandpa couldn't talk but I believe he knew who we were. He really enjoyed Avery. He held her hand and spent a lot of time looking at her and touching her. It was really sweet. We were very glad that we made the decision to head up to Ohio when we did so that we were able to see grandpa a few more times.


Grandpa passed away on Tuesday, June 9, right before Nicholas' birthday party. When we were visiting him on Monday, Nicholas told grandpa that he wanted him to come to his party. We later joked that grandpa wanted to come to the party and this was the only way he'd be able to make it! As sad as it was to say goodbye, it was really what was best for grandpa. He's done suffering now and at home with the Lord!

4 Generations--The girls and Nicholas (he was only a few weeks old!) with Keith, Keith's mom and Grandma and Grandpa Bradds