My grandpa is a fighter. He is tough as nails on the outside but as soft as can be on the inside. He has fought his whole life and will be have that spirit until the day he dies. The love my grandma and him have is something so rare. They have been married for 57 years and are the most loving people i know. They are the only people that bake cakes for the people that work the check out stand at the grocery store or the local bank teller. They notice people you and I would otherwise walk past. My grandpa is a hardworker. He never slacked on his daily dubty to come over and help watch the dogs. I only wish that every time he came over i would have gave him a giant hug and appriciated everything he was to me in that moment.
Four short months ago he got diagnosed with end stage esophogial cancer and was given a shocking diagnosis of 5 months left to live. Its now may and he is on the 6 month. Everyday he appriciates the fact that he has made it beyond his alloted time, It's a gift. Although his chemo was taking a toll we all had hopeful hearts that he would beat this. A week ago he went into the doctors office and they broke the news that the chemo hadn't helped but in fact it had spread further into his liver and it was shutting down. What heartbreaking news this was for everyone. The docs have given him only days left to live. Hospice has come to be with him in his home during his last moments. He is surrounded by everyone that loves him and it kills me to be so far away. His heart is heavy but our whole family must take rest in God's ultimate bigger plan for this situation. God wants to take grandpa home to be with him and although my heart aches i want him to be in peace. I can hear the weakness in his voice but selfishly i wish he could stay. My family is throwing him a combined birthday and anniversary party within the next few days since he wont make it to celebrate the real thing in july. We are trying to get as many people as possible to send a birthday card to show him how much hes loved.
My heart is heavy with sadness yet so greatful that my grandpa gave his life to God only a few years back. Since becoming a christ follower i have seen this man transform into someone you'd admire. Jesus changed him into the person i am so proud of today. Its hard to think about all the times where i wish i would have hugged him a little longer or spent more time with them but i have to be greatful for the times i had.
This situation has opened my eyes to how fragile our bodies are. We are not invincible and no matter how much we try and believe we can outsmart disease or sickness we can't. Cancer will take my grandpas life but not without a fight from him. God will carry him home. Im thankful to be reminded how fragile life is. Everyday that we are healthy should be a great day of thanks. My grandpa has praised God throughout the storms of this disease. He has even been wheeled into church. Tear in my eyes but i must honor himw ith the time God has given me left on this earth. I must take the moments with the people i love as gifts and most of all make him proud. Live as a figher. I praise God through my heartache becasue where else would i turn. My grandpa is finishing the race well. He is so very loved and God will be getting an amazing addition in heaven when he joins the angels.
