don't wait

[Ricardo_Montalban]

Last summer I said to myself "Rick, it's been way too long since you've seen your grandparents!" and decided that as soon as I could scrounge up enough money I would fly down for a visit. They're pushin' on in the years, both over 90.

This fall I found a better housing situation that has freed up enough funds, but the holidays were coming up and that took its toll on my checkbook. Late winter or spring...that's when I'll do it. I was really looking forward to sitting down with them and getting as much first hand information about my maternal family tree as possible. (my aunt has exhaustively researched my dad's side)

I talked to my grandfather on x-mas day while I was visiting my immediate family in Wichita, but my grandmother was asleep at the time. "She went to bed when she heard you were on the phone. haha. We'll call back tomorrow so she can talk to everyone" said grandad.

Sunday I drove up to Lawrence for the day to see my good friend and her new baby, since I won't be back in KS for another couple of years.

Flew back to P-town tuesday night.

I got a call from my mom wednesday night telling me that my grandma had passed away that morning.

I wish I could have had one more visit with her. I can do without the family tree information, I just would have liked to sit around a card table playing hearts, drinking bourbon, and laughing with her. She was so full of piss and vinegar, and loved to give me shit...always with a laugh.

It sucks that I missed her over x-mas. It hurts that I waited too late to visit.

 

sorry to be a downer on this board, I just hope to prevent someone from fucking up a last chance, like I did.

btw, I'm visiting grandpa in 3 weeks.