My grandfather.

[Pianomahnn]

He used to be a loud, strong, and dominating italian man.

He's now weak, quiet, and waiting for death.

The last few months he's really taken a turn for the worse. Now living in a hopsital/home place.

I went and saw him in this place for this first time today. I kept my tears in while visiting him, my mother trying to get him to eat something.

I started balling the moment I left the building, and I'm crying now.

The end of someone's life shouldn't be like this. It shouldn't be filled with pills, illness, pain, and suffering.

It all just fucking sucks.

[Cruise Director]

Let me tell you how sorry I am to hear about your grandpa's condition. Unfortunately I have been through a similar situation. You see, only one of my grandfathers was fortunate to go peacefully in his sleep. The other, like your grandfather, struggled with the last piece of his life.

If it's any consolation, I like to believe that in such a state, these folks have the ability to put an end to the suffering by themselves. I tend to believe that our loved ones stay around purely for our benefit; so they can say their goodbyes and bring closure to a long and hopefully wonderful life. I hope your grandfather is one of these souls. Take advantage of the time you have with him to the best of your abilities. he's known you your entire life and I'm sure your love and thoughts for him mean more to him than you can know.

Be mournful, but in a good way. Remember the life he shared with you and the great experiences you two may have had together. Reflect on the teachings he gave you and find comfort in the fact that he may have lived a full, exciting life. Hopefully mine and yours can be as such.

[Barbie]

I'm really sorry to hear of your grandfather.

My grandmother (who raised me, hense I called her mom) died in 99' of lung cancer. Although I went through something similar that you are going through now, I cant' say that I know exactly how you feel. But I assure you that I empathize.

Good thoughts running to you, your family and your grandfather

[Rabble Rouser]

Piano, I am so, so sorry about your grandfather.

My grandmother died in '95 from stomach cancer, and it was so painful to watch her waste away from a powerful, independent woman into someone who didn't recognize her own family and cried when she was touched. I remember the day I came home from taking my English final, and I walked in the house and I just knew she was gone. It still feels wrong to say it, but I was happy and relieved to find out, because she was no longer suffering. No one deserves to go through that.

I see myself and my grandmother in this post. I remember how much it hurt, and I'm sorry you have to experience this, as well. You both are in my thoughts.

[Pianomahnn]

My gramps is back at home these days, in a much better condition than when I last wrote.

He can walk on his own (with the aid of a little walker dealie), kinda. Travels around with a little wheelchair dealie. But, he's better. No longer sick with whatever the illness of the week happened to be.

It's good for him and good for the family. However, it's very hard on my grandmother. Thankfully they live not a half mile from us. We're always there to help.

Yup. . .a good update.