That's what I see when my grandparents visit us. They live 2 miles away and we see them a few times a week. My grandma is 81, but grandpa is 91. He still drives, cooks, cleans up, plays bingo and cards, reads the paper and of course watches his Yankee games. He's in great shape for his age and his mind is as sharp as a tack. His hearing is another story! In November, he had a minor stroke that miracously left him with no side effects. I worry about him a lot. He shuffles his feet more and more and stumbles and I swear a fall will be what brings him down.
I am so happy he got to see my baby. When 2006 brought me two miscarriages and he was 89, I was so afraid he would not be alive to see my 2nd child. It bothered me on a daily basis. Happily he did get to see her and enjoys playing with her. Of his eight great grandchildren, I think she is his favorite. He's in awe of Jenna. On one hand, he is so happy to see her and gets such a kick out of her (she totally plays up to him) and on the other hand, I see a sadness in his eyes. He knows his years are numbered and he won't get to see the kids grown up, graduate college, and get married. Sometimes I am afraid when I say goodbye to them, it could be the last time. We're very close and I will be devastated when they pass.
I guess that's part of growing old-the happiness of experiencing many years of life, but the sadness in knowing that the sun is setting on his life and he won't get to see the newest generation fulfil their dreams. I just let the kids see their great grandparents as often as possible and pray they continue to live relatively healthy lives.
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