Last Visits with Papa

In April Papa got a strange fungus in his eye and had to go back to the Huntsman Hospital for surgery and treatment.  Natali went and visited him a few times before she headed home from BYU.  She even brought Fritz to meet he and Grandma.

Papa was able to go back to Gayle's house for awhile but while we were in Spain he took a turn for the worse and ended up in the hospital again.  This time his kidneys and liver were failing.  We got home Wednesday - Greg and Andrew left Friday afternoon to go see Randy before their east coast trip.  Andrew went knowing this was probably goodbye.

The other kids and I were going to go on Tuesday but I felt so uncomfortable all day Sunday.  I broke down crying more than once at church and finally after sacrament meeting I told the kids we were leaving as soon as we could.  We left our house less than an hour after church ended.

We thought we were going to go say goodbye to Papa so very sobering but we also had some fun times with cousins.  Staying at Beth's house and using Gus's Virtual Reality toy.

Monday and Tuesday we got to spend a lot of time with Papa and got to be there for some good news - the doc that day was optimistic that Papa could be headed home soon.  We left for home thinking Papa was doing better.  Sadly, that was the last time most of us saw him.  

While at the hospital Nani took the kids outside to put out food for the squirrels.  Papa liked to watch the squirrels from his window.  So Papa and I watched as the kids climbed on the rocks putting out seeds.  Then Nani set on this bench for a while.  Emily came over by her and then spotted something.  Nani's reaction was a quick removal from the bench and both of them slowly backing away.  On the rock not far from Nani was a rattle snake with a full belly.

I went out later and took this picture.  Yikes!  Glad Nani didn't lean her head back.  For the next day Papa and his visitors enjoyed the spectacle provided as different groups of men came out and tried to remove the snake.

Tuesday night was McCall's bridal shower.  We helped Laurie get ready, took Hazel to lunch, and then the kids partied at an indoor play place including arcade, jumping pit, go carts and stuff like that.  They had a blast.

We headed home Wednesday morning and Papa called to say bye and wish us safe travels.  Once home we sent Kate and Andrew off to Ghana for 10 days.  Meanwhile, Papa didn't improve.  Not long into their trip he decided he was done.  He said goodbye to the Utah grandkids and headed home to Mesquite.  

He loved his first few days home visiting with loved ones and seeing his favorite sights.  The house was full of visitors all day long.  But he quickly went down hill.  Greg wanted to go see him one more time and planned to go as soon as Andrew and Kate were home, but we decided he couldn't wait.  He and Mack drove to Mesquite with the plan that I would follow with all the kids.

Kate and Andrew got home on Wednesday and Andrew had his wisdom teeth out Thursday.  I figured I would monitor how he was doing and head to Mesquite on Friday, but by Thursday evening Papa wasn't speaking much any more and we decided it was best to stay home.

Greg had a difficult yet beautiful few days with Papa before he finally went back home in the early morning on July 2nd.  

Greg and Mack didn't tell me but they loaded up and headed home Wednesday so they would be home in time for my birthday.  

He has left a big hole in our hearts and in the family.  My kids couldn't have had a better Papa and I will always be grateful for the lessons he has taught me.  Love you forever Papa.