July 1st, we flew up to MA to spend one last weekend with my grandfather (or Giddoo in Arabic, which is what I called him. Aiden knew him as Giddoo Giddoo but called him "MmmMmmmmblblblblblblb" (see below)). He was still mentally alert and it was a good visit (and the Lobster and steamers were Delicious). Most importantly we had a chance to say good bye. We've known He's had CA since the beginning of the year. and Known the Chemo didn't work since February. We've also had a strikingly accurate timeline for the progression of the CA since May.
He was 89. First Generation American (His parents were from Lebanon), WWII Veteran, Gruff but with a deep heart, and always went for the joke. He was healthy his whole life, and mentally acute up until the end.
Wednesday morning, July 13th @ 1:30am, he passed away.
After trying fruitlessly to find a plane that could take us there quickly (under 5 hours travel time, which with a 17month old seemed like the limit for Airports and Airplanes) and inexpensively we gave up and decided to drive. We left Wednesday at 2pm (we left so late for two reasons. 1) I worked 1/2 a day since we had just gotton back from a convention for work, and I hadn't had much desk time lately but more importantly, since we just got back we needed time to wash clothes, and "turn around" for this new trip. We arrived in MA 2pm On Thursday. He didn't suffer, and had his wife, and oldest son (my dad) by his side holding his hand as he passed.
The wake was, to no ones surprise I'm sure, painful. but everyone who could be there was, and that helped.
My brother is still in India (although I neglected to ask if he was still in Pune or not, I know they were planning on spending time in the mountains), and wasn't able to make it back for the funeral. But he was
definitely in our hearts, and luckily he has his girlfriend there with him. I was able to speak to him once, and I am confident he is ok.
At the wake I was surprised by a distant cousin (and close high
school friend) showed up (with his mom who I had also been close with).
I realize how lucky he was, how healthy he was for 89 years, married to a saint who stood by him and took care of him, that he didn't suffer long, and that he had time to say goodbye to his family, and them to him. I am also incredibly thankful he had time to get to know his great-grandson, and that as gruff as Giddoo was, my son took to him like a fish takes to water.
Giddoo. I miss you.
Translation of "MmmmmMmmmmblbblblblblbl" - Aiden calls his Great-Grandmother (Sittoo-Sittoo Oficialy) "MmmmMmmmm" (the Sound you make when something tastes really good) Hummed while rubbing his stomach. This comes from her singing "Aiden John is MmmmmMmmmm good" to the tune of the old Cambles Soup Jungle. He calls my dad (or Officialy "Giddoo" to Aiden) "blblblblblb" Which is the sound one makes while moving ones finger over their lips while they hum. (Kinda like a "Raspberry"). Thus he called my Grandfather (or Giddoo-Giddoo officially) "MmmmmMmmmmblblblblblblblb".
