So long, Grandpa · 4:09am Feb 6th, 2020
Hey all.
I'm feeling a little bit reflective and grieving this evening, as my grandfather has passed on to a better world. He had been slowly declining with his mental capacities, but but physically remained rather strong, even if he was 93.5 years old. But after a fall, and then coming down with sepsis that increased his confusion and affected his aortic valve, and then several falls due to losses in blood pressure and insufficient staff supervision at his assisted living facility, he finally had a bad enough fall to fracture his hip. That was Monday. Today he is gone, 12:05 PM.
Leaves me to contemplate our own place in this crazy world. And what we choose to do with our time. And what legacy we leave behind us.
Some folks struggle to find meaning in their lives. Many do. Some people fight hard and create their own meaning. I am a deeply religious sort, and have firm beliefs on what life is for, and what kind of behavior is most likely to bring joy. I can honestly say that life sometimes makes you feel like you are slugging through muck and slime, crawling and clawing for a scrap.
I have felt that way before.
Still do from time to time.
But when I align myself with those higher beliefs and purposes, I am at peace. And I can honestly say that I have enjoyed more than my share of joy in this life, which I can certainly attribute to my wonderful relationship with my wife, where we value each other over everything else, and also my six wonderful children. Because of them, I am truly rich.
I didn't know my grandfather well, as he sort of ignored his daughter (my Mom) for the most part and did his own thing. That was his choice, but resulted in him not being a part of any of his grandchildren's lives. Five years ago he reconnected with us after so long. Today? I'm sorry to see him go, I know he's in a better place... and I'm relieved that his suffering was not prolonged.
May we each think clearly about why we are here... and spend our time on pursuits that have the highest payout at the end...
I greatly look forward to my grandchildren one day.
So that's my message this evening. Amulet of Shades is nearly complete. I have an ending scene to complete, and a dream sequence to enter in earlier in the chapter (wish me luck).
The chapter is now at about 9500 words.
Once that is done, I'll turn it over to my pre-readers/quasi-editor(s) to get you the finished product. It's looking like it will be another week though.
To apologize, here is the whole nightmare sequence Tempest experienced before the actual banishment of her mom. These are the next comic pages in sequence following the last one seen on my previous blog. Enjoy!
Edit: For better closeups, I'll link you to the pages on deviant art so you can zoom in better.
1st page of sequence
Those comic sequences are awesome! You're awesome. Keep on doing what you're doing.
And sorry to hear about your granddad. My grandparents mean a lot to me as well, and so can't stand seeing them decline with age. I love them so much. But I'll see them again when they die. We're all in this together.
5198239
Amen brother.
I am sorry for your loss, my he Rest In Peace.
5198254
Thank you
May your grandpa Rest in Peace
I'm so sorry for your loss. But you'll see him again in the next life. May he rest in piece.
I’m so sorry for your loss
A similar thing happened to me recently, so I know how you feel. At least he’s in a better place now.
Sorry for your loss. We'll keep him and your family in our prayers.
Ditto what BradyBunch said - those comic are awesome.
Really enjoying the story.
My sincerest condolences for your loss.
Sorry to hear about your grandpa. I barely even knew mine as he went when I was 6.
Sincerest condolences to you, losing a family member is always difficult, no matter how old they are, lost my paternal grandfather a few years back at the age of 88 nearly 89. I'll definitely give amulet a re-read when it is complete.