He had a rough January. I think that not being able to celebrate his anniversary and birthday with my Grandma took it's toll and he ended up having a stroke.
This extra lose of control just weighed on him. On his body but also on the part of his mind that was still him.
So it wasn't a huge surprise when the Doctor called to say he was on oxygen and not doing very well.
So I went to yoga with my mum and we headed to see him after. My dad was already there and being my dad, he was dealing with it as best he could.
BUT Grandpa/Shorty was eating well when we arrived so we let him finish and then had a good visit.
Mum and I talked about the twins and how it was getting close to their arrival. But mostly I just knelt beside him, my hand on his arm and breathing with him. Mum let him know it was okay if he was ready to just let go because Grandma and Uncle John were waiting for him. And he started to cry.
After a while, Mum and I left so my Dad could have time with Grandpa alone.
And he started to improve again.
A few days later, I taught a double and took a class after and when I finally checked my cell phone I knew. My cousin had texted me asking how I was. My dad had texted and emailed telling me he was gone.
I find it both amazing and mind boggling that on both days my grandparents left me I was full engrossed with yoga. I taught a SUP class and felt so at peace when Grandma had her heart attack and was in the ER and then this double and practicing when Grandpa finally left. I wish they could have somehow taken one of my classes but they are apart of me, my practice and my teaching and for that I'm grateful.
The next day I helped my dad, mum and uncle clear out my Grandpa's room. I found the post card I had sent him from LA in one of his drawers.
I didn't really need to be there but I think my dad needed the support, I think he liked having his family with him.
Even though this has been a long time coming and my grandpa has been losing control from the Alzheimer's for many years now, and so essentially he was really already gone, it still hurts, I still miss him. But I'm glad we got some time together before he had to go and he'll always be a part of me.
I lost both my paternal Grandma and my paternal Grandpa within 8 months but I'm always waiting for two new arrivals in the form of my nephews. One door closes another opens doesn't it?
And I've been working since September with Memory Ball, an event that raises funds for the Toronto Alzheimer's Society, an event that brings awareness to a huge cause of death in Canada, and allows for there to be communication about a disease that has really touched my family.
No matter how much suffering you went through, you never wanted to let go of those memories.
Haruki Murakami
