Rest in Peace, Papa Dick. I Love You Forever.

I am so sad to be writing this blog post. The man that I have called "Papa Dick" from the time I could speak has passed away this morning. He was more than a grandfather to me. He was a friend, a father figure, good company, a good man, and someone who adored my baby boy... and my baby boy adored him. Anyone who knew him can consider themselves lucky.

He had bowel ischemia and it was found too late. We did everything we could for him. I found him a primary care doctor, we took him to see specialists, they did every test a man could get and it wasn't until this past Friday that they finally found something. At first, they wanted to treat it conservatively, but in no time at all, his condition escalated and he needed emergency surgery. He came through the surgery OK, but the stress of it all was too much for his body and he was ready to go... but we weren't ready to lose him.

One of the last times that I saw him awake, he was on life support and not without a million other tubes coming out of every opening of his body. I said "I love you, Papa." He tried to open his mouth to say "I love you too." I knew he did. Then I said "I'll see you tomorrow" and he shook his head "no." Nana said "Do you love me?" And he shook his head "yes." so we knew he was ready to go. This world has lost a wonderful man and too soon.... too suddenly.

I have a copy of his license that I have placed in my wallet so I can carry him with me wherever I go. I love you, Papa Dick. Rest in Peace.