Genealogy & grandparents

Yesterday, upon leaving my parent's house, I was reminded of how little time I spend on one of my hobbies. That would be the family historian and genealogist on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. (I have a 2nd cousin once removed who is the last male of my family to still reside in the mother country, England. He keeps the records over there and does a great job of it- better than I do here.)

I was given care of three audio cassettes, two cancelled passports, an expired driver's license, a social security card and a Salvation Army minister identification card. All belonging to my paternal grandparents, one of whom is deceased (2001) and the other of whom will celebrate his 97th birthday later this month.

My grandfather is the patriarch of my family, the last living link between three large, otherwise separate families. Recent health issues now have him permanently in the infirmary of the residence in which he lives. He's doing as well as a man of his advanced age can be expected to be doing, but is no longer able to take care of himself independently the way he would like to.

This is a man who used to always wake up at 4:30 AM, get dressed in slacks, shirt, necktie, dress shoes and look otherwise impeccable.... To do nothing. For the last 10-12 years or so he has been legally blind, with his mind basically intact...

Personally, I never expected him to last this long after his wife of almost 70 years passed almost five years ago at the ripe old age of 94. She was his life. She was his soulmate, his best friend. And most definitely the sweetest woman I have ever met.

I've often said that, if these people - my grandparents- don't get into heaven then no one does. Which is quite the task, since they've set the bar so high...

Anyway, for symmetrical purposes, it would be nice to see my grandfather reach the mystical century mark in 2009, even if he doesn't remember it.