Visit with Opa/Opie
Today was the reason that Jamie pushed me and the kids to come. Today isn't promised to anyone no matter what age you are but my Opa isn't doing great. While we all had a wonderfully fun-filled week, this was one of the main reasons for the visit. As I said earlier, the last time we saw my Oma and Opa, Jordan was a baby. Jamie and I learned two years ago that tomorrow isn't promised and you have to take advantage of being able to see those you love when you can. Dad took Jo, Boo and I, with Jaylynn, to see our Opa.
My Opa hasn't been doing good for awhile now. I wasn't sure what to expect going to see him. I was actually expecting much worse but as Dad and Uncle Frits told us, that this was an amazing visit. One that we are so fortunate to have had. Something I will cherish forever. I will be forever grateful to my parents and to Jamie for making sure that I got to tell my Opa that I loved him. Something Jamie wishes he would have gotten with his dad. Just one more time.
When we went in, Opa was in the kitchen area. He saw us and you could tell he knew we were there and who we were. Of course there were tears, even from Opa, which made more tears from the rest of us.
We then went to Opa's room. More tears and lots of recognition from Opa. He knew who we were and would smile then weep. It was heartwrenching and wonderful all at the same time. He couldn't take his eyes off of Jaylynn. Oma kept telling him that was his great-grandchild. I am grateful that Jordan got to see him again and Jasmine got to meet him. I wish all the kids could have but it would have just been too much.
Getting ready to take the picture, see how Opa is just staring at her. It wasn't a blank stare. He was just staring at Jaylynn.
When it was time to go, Jo went up to Opa first to give him a hug and a kiss and said I love you. Opa, very clearly said, I love you too. Then I went up and did the same. Opa again said I love you too. Boo did the same and again Opa responded. Such an amazing gift we were each given. I will cherish that moment forever.
Tomorrow isn't promised to any of us. Maybe we will get another visit with Opa. Maybe we won't. If we don't, I got to say good-bye. I got my hug and kiss.
When we got back from our visit, all the Missouri family was at the house to see us off. We had some lunch and finished loading up the van. Lots of hugs, kisses and attempts to steal my kids. Then we headed for Jo and Steve's house.
My Opa hasn't been doing good for awhile now. I wasn't sure what to expect going to see him. I was actually expecting much worse but as Dad and Uncle Frits told us, that this was an amazing visit. One that we are so fortunate to have had. Something I will cherish forever. I will be forever grateful to my parents and to Jamie for making sure that I got to tell my Opa that I loved him. Something Jamie wishes he would have gotten with his dad. Just one more time.
When we went in, Opa was in the kitchen area. He saw us and you could tell he knew we were there and who we were. Of course there were tears, even from Opa, which made more tears from the rest of us.
We then went to Opa's room. More tears and lots of recognition from Opa. He knew who we were and would smile then weep. It was heartwrenching and wonderful all at the same time. He couldn't take his eyes off of Jaylynn. Oma kept telling him that was his great-grandchild. I am grateful that Jordan got to see him again and Jasmine got to meet him. I wish all the kids could have but it would have just been too much.
Getting ready to take the picture, see how Opa is just staring at her. It wasn't a blank stare. He was just staring at Jaylynn.
When it was time to go, Jo went up to Opa first to give him a hug and a kiss and said I love you. Opa, very clearly said, I love you too. Then I went up and did the same. Opa again said I love you too. Boo did the same and again Opa responded. Such an amazing gift we were each given. I will cherish that moment forever.
Tomorrow isn't promised to any of us. Maybe we will get another visit with Opa. Maybe we won't. If we don't, I got to say good-bye. I got my hug and kiss.
When we got back from our visit, all the Missouri family was at the house to see us off. We had some lunch and finished loading up the van. Lots of hugs, kisses and attempts to steal my kids. Then we headed for Jo and Steve's house.
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