On Monday night, one of the most special people in the world to me left this Earth. My Grandfather, lovingly known by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Papa Doug, passed away with my mom, my Grandma, two more of his daughters, his son in law, and a grandson by his side. I'd just seen him on Saturday morning. Brian, the kids and I made a last minute trip to Vancouver where Papa Doug was in the hospital because there were some health issues discovered on top of the health issues he was already dealing with. The outlook wasn't good, and I needed to see my Grandpa. I am SO GLAD that we went. I honestly feel that Papa Doug knows I love him, and that my children and husband love him too. I held his hand, talked to him, rubbed his feet, touched his arms, and told him how much I loved him. My kids had the opportunity to kiss and hug this man who much to my dismay, they will not be able to grow up knowing. While I am very happy that Papa Doug is no longer in pain, and no longer uncomfortable, I can't help but feel so upset that he's gone before my kids really got to appreciate him. Papa Doug was so much more to me than just a Grandpa. He took such an interest in all things having to do with his family. He was smart, hard working, loving, honest, generous, and caring. I have so many fond memories of him. I remember loving to go into his t-shirt drawer when my sister and I would spend the night with him and my Grandma, searching for the perfect t-shirt to be that night's pajamas. I remember him mashing potatoes with a hand masher with such seriousness you'd think he was preparing a meal for the President. I remember being told "Get out of here!" when we'd sneak into the kitchen to steal turkey before dinner was ready. I remember planting trees with him on the Compound. I remember 4-wheeler rides with him, while he proudly pointed out various interesting places on the property my grandparents own. I remember when I bought my house, he came and took me to buy a hose, a fire extinguisher, and other important things a 22 year old might not think of as a new homeowner. I remember him mowing my lawn, and helping me make my new house look more like a home. I remember my first car purchase, trying to decide on a make and model, and having my Papa Doug research every make and model I'd mentioned, comparing each on safety, reliability, and cost. I remember him co-signing on MULTIPLE loans for his grandkids so that we could establish credit, and buy cars. I remember driving to visit him and my Grandma, and him carefully checking the air in my tires, and filling the ones that needed it before letting me leave town to head home. I remember him making our school lunches when he and my Grandma came into town. He made the BEST sandwiches. I remember taking baths when we'd spend the night with my grandparents, getting out, getting dressed, then going out to my grandpa in the living room, handing him a towel, and having him dry our hair by rubbing the towel really quickly on our heads. I'm not sure it was really the most effective hair drying technique, but we loved it. I remember him coming to the rescue of my mom, my sister and I in Redmond when things there got really bad, and moving every one of our possessions into his house in Walla Walla in one afternoon. I remember him paying my mother's, his adult daughter's, tuition when her life was turned upside down and she needed to start over. I remember him eating a torn up piece of white bread in a glass of milk with a fork. I remember him getting angry and worked up when I went to Tennessee with him and my Grandma because he didn't know where we were going and he wanted my Grandma to give the directions better. I remember him standing along side my Grandma, smiling at her lovingly while she spent time with her family, discussing family history and memories for hours and hours. I remember him loving my Grandma SO MUCH. Holding her hand. Carrying heavy items for her. Being absolutely head over heels over her. I remember getting into bed with my Grandparents on that trip to Tennessee when there was a thunderstorm that scared me to death. I remember giving him pedicures and facials and having him appreciate them so much. I remember seeing him cry when he buried one of his grandchildren, and thinking to myself, how much I loved his soft heart. I remember planning my wedding, and leaning toward a small wedding in Hawaii with only mine and Brian's parents and siblings, but then thinking that Papa Doug likely wouldn't be able to make that trip, and having that, right then, make up my mind to get married here. I remember him holding my newborn son, and having a feeling at that moment that every single thing was right in the world. I remember my son and daughter adoring him, snuggling and kissing him, and thinking he was as wonderful as I have my entire life.My heart aches because my Papa isn't here anymore. But, I'm happy he's with his parents now, and with the grandchild he lost, and many friends that went before him.
His obituary is being worked on by my Grandma and his kids. I find it sad that there are things I'm finding out now, by reading the "drafts" being passed around, that I never knew. He was a greater man than I even ever knew. He will truly be missed. There won't be a day for a long time when it doesn't hurt to think that he's gone. I love you Papa Doug, and can't wait to see you again someday.
"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death."
