ILUVTN

Its been a rough year so far and its not even half over. It all started in December with my grandmother being ill. She was put in the hospital a week before Christmas. Pneumonia was going around at the nursing home where she was living. She was able to go back to nursing home for Christmas and was there about a month before coming down with it again.

I received a call from my mom on Jan 19 to let me know Mudder had been put back in the hospital. She was there about a week when she passed away. Of course I had been calling at least 2 times a day to check on her. I was able to talk to her on Wednesday that morning. I was able to tell her that I loved her. She knew me too and told me she loved me too. I received a call on Thursday night. Mom said that she was not getting any better. I told her that I would be leaving Champaign on Friday morning headed home. I left Champaign about 9:30. Mom called me at 1:00 and told me that Connie and Shirley had told she needed to come. She asked me where I was. I told her that I was out side of Paducah. Of course in the background I hear Dad telling me to "SLOW DOWN". Yeah right. You don't call someone and tell them their grandmother's getting worse and not expect me to put my foot in the carburator. It took me about an hour and half to get to the hosptial where usually its a 2 hour drive. I was able to get there before she passed away.

Of course I had not taken any clothes with me. I had to make a list for Jim to bring down with him. He came down on the train on Saturday night. The visitation was on Sunday night and the funeral on Monday. It was very nice. The funeral home was packed.

I miss her. But I have no regrets. I saw her at Christmas. I saw her every time I was home. I tried not to miss a visit. I always told her that I loved her and always gave her a hug.

Hug your family, tell them you love them! You just never know if you will get another chance.