Gazillion Days - Single Day In History (by biz

MORNING

I had received the news of my grandfather's passing a few days earlier. I had not known him that well as he had lived in another country for most of my childhood. But when we did move to the U.S., I got to know him better.

He was in his eighties and was in and out of the hospital with poor kidneys. Even with this, I didn't think of him as dying. I thought he would live for many more years.

It really didn't hit me until the day of the funeral. It was a Wednesday and I had taken the day off of work. My parents and siblings were already there at the funeral home when I got there. We waited until our other relatives got there.

AFTERNOON

When everyone had arrived, we began the procession. We knelt in prayer for his soul. I had an eerie feeling flow through me. Perhaps, it was the environment.

When we walked by the coffin, I realized how much this did affect me. I looked at my grandfather's face for the last time. It was the first time I saw death in person and I couldn't help wonder about my own mortality.

My brother and sister talked for a while about what we felt and what was going to happen next. We had a mostly quiet lunch together.

Afterwards, when everyone left, I spent some time with my parents before I went home.

EVENING

That night, I had a restless night of sleep. I guess the emotions and thoughts running through the day wouldn't stop. For some reason, its easy to forget the things we try to remember, but hard to forget the things we don't want to remember.

I wanted to remember how he lived his life but those memories get harder and harder to come to me. But the image of him lying there, I can't get that out of my mind.

I can only guess that such an image will only make me stronger and more determined in achieving my own goals. I will always honor those who made me who I am. As much as it hurts, the memories are worth it.

Grandfather, this one is for you.

THE END

Worst Day

of a Doctor
from British Columbia

Worst Day

of a Database Admin
from Mira Mesa

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