Life is fragile. Every day is not guaranteed. We all know this but yet we just expect to wake up the next day, do our daily routine, go to sleep and start all over again the next day. I am just as guilty. I sometimes teach each day for granted. Today was a reminder that life is precious. We are not guaranteed tomorrow.
Today I found out my Grandpa Rodney passed away. My Grams called me around 11:30 am while I was having lunch with my friend. I thought it was odd to be getting a call from her at that time because she should be at work. I have learned that whenever my family calls me on my cell phone during the day it usually means something bad. I was right. She called to tell me that Grandpa Rodney had passed away yesterday. She came home to find that he has passed away while she was at work. I was in shock and then the tears came. I could hear the pain her voice. I could hear my strong grandmother trying to keep herself together as she told me the news.
Rodney has always struggled with diabetes as long as I have known him. Mind you, he is not my biological grandfather but the only man I remember being in my Grams' life for almost as long as I have been around. Even before they got married I considered him my grandpa. The last couple of years have been rough for him. He had had eye problems, headache issues, blood sugar issues but when I would see him he would says "Hey Babe, how ya doing?" He would crack a corney joke as we all rolled our eyes.
We used to go to Lake Mead with him to go out on his boat. We would tie ourselves to the boat and go floating the in the lake. He used to buy us kids ice cream from the ice cream truck. He was amazing at making wooden projects. He made me a baby cradle. I remember coming home to my room being redecorated and it being in my room with my baby dolls in it. He even carved a cross in the back of it. It has a plaque on it stating it was for me from him. He could always make the room laugh. He would show up randomly after work so my Nanny could feed him dinner. When he would get tired he would say, "I need to go check my eyelids for holes, Mr. Pillow is calling..." As the years went on, he would wake up and eat breakfast. He would look at me and say, "do you know what time it is? It is time for my post breakfast nap."
The best memory I have of my grandpa is when he married my Grams. That day was so special. They had been together forever and made it legal/official in September of 2008. I was a flower girl in their wedding. The pictures of them at the alter, dancing and cutting the tilting cake (it was a very hot day) are all so special.
I will miss you Grandpa Rodney. You taught me many things and loved me as a granddaughter. I am so lucky to have had you in my life and I will love and miss you every day! I will remember all those great times I was blessed to have spent with you. I will always remember Christmas Eve when you hugged me and told me you loved me. The smile on your face that evening will always be special. I wish I could have seen you one more time but know that you will always and forever be my Grandpa Rodney.
I realized again, with the sudden passing of my grandpa to tell those you love I love you and those you care about that you care about them. His simple, "love you too babe" on that Christmas Eve means even more to me than it did that evening. Life is precious!
Rest in Peace Rodney Lee Hurst! We love you and miss you!
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