Its never too late to . . .

Saturday 13 March 2010

For my grandfather

Today we got the news that my grandfather has got cancer. He does not know it. Just the thought that he does not know and is cheerful brings tears to all of us.

I am grateful today that I as his eldest granddaughter was able to share so many lovely stories and moments with him. There have been times when I did not like many of the things he did. Well, all of us have grouses like that.

He is the last connection that I have with the older generation of my mother's family. He is quite important to all of us. Its strange to know that he does not know that he is dying but is hoping for the medicines to make him all right.

He has enabled me to see so much of life when I had not yet come into this world. He was born when India was not free and was under the British regime. Stories of life in the barracks, fire-schools, exotic places and people engaged us thoroughly and by now we know all the stories by heart and yet we would love our grandfather to narrate it to us.

I love him. I am thankful that he was there for us with lots of stories.

Please do pray for him.

16 comments:

  1. Dear Susan,

    Iam sorry to hear this about your grandfather.... I remember that he always greeted me with his smile and always spared some time to talk to me, whenever I met him...
    Take care my dear Susan...
    I shall definately pray for him....

    Love you
    Seema

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dearest Susan, I'm deeply sorry about your grandfather. It is always sad to see family members suffer. We all have our differences, even with family members. But when moments of illness arrive, we put aside our differences and focus on the good times past and precious moments ahead. I hope your grandfather will not suffer from pain - that is always the greatest fear. I will keep him, and you, in my thoughts.

    Nevine

    ReplyDelete
  3. Seems and Nevine:

    Thanks for the kind words. I am afraid he is dying.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sorry to see this post...hope it happens with least pain to him. I lost my paternal when I was 2 and maternal when I was 8/9 so miss the learning from granpa's experiences like you are blessed with till now.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh Susan... I truly am so sorry. My mom went through cancer and came out victorious, yet the journey was horrific. All the best wishes to your grandfather. I will be praying.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ganesh:

    Thanks for the nice words. I am truly blessed.

    Angie:

    I am happy that your prayers are with me.

    Joy always.

    ReplyDelete
  7. it's great to have those positive memories of him....and I'll be praying for him....Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dear Sarah:

    Thanks for the assurance of prayers. He went to the hospital today and is pretty cheerful. We want him to be happy.

    Joy always.

    ReplyDelete
  9. susan i lost three of my grandparents to cancer and so i mourn with you and for your family as i read this.

    please take extra care of you as you soak up the remainders of a life that means so much to you.

    these are precious times...

    i am praying as i write and i will continue to do so.

    much love,
    c

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear C:

    Keep praying. Today he was admitted to the hospice. He still does not know that he has cancer. The doctors have given us a sliver of hope and we are praying.

    Thanks for the support Claire.

    Joy always.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey, so very sorry to hear about your grandfather! I do hope and pray for a miracle - especially that there is no suffering! Grandparents are a treasure.. glad that we got a chance to know them!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anju:

    I am glad indeed. Just praying that he remains happy and peaceful till the end . . .

    Joy always.

    ReplyDelete
  13. oh Susan, this is a sad post, yet mingled with optimism. now you and your family have to be strong for him - and together decide the best course - if eventually to tell him or not. that of course depends on multiple factors, so take the time to think about it. and of course there is always the chance that he will pull through it!
    sending u an especially big hug,
    khulud

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dear Khulud:

    He was operated but still he does not know. I hope he remains so without knowing. Being an army man, he cannot digest the fact that he is affected.

    A big hug back to you and thanks for the kind words, as always.

    ReplyDelete
  15. My dad had a friend, he had cancer and was terminal. He was 50+ when diagnosed. He sold his house, left with his wife on an around the world tour. Came back after 6 months and lo and behold his cancer was gone. He had his life back but came back broke. It's the stresses on our lives that is ruining our lives. Perhaps if he continues to be happy, it might just have a very positive effect. Praying for your granddad. ((hugs))

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Gaia:

    Thanks for the assurance of prayers and kind words.

    Hugs back to you.

    Joy always :)

    ReplyDelete