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My grandpa is dying and the weird part is...

Malcolm_XMalcolm_X Posts: 93
edited June 2008 in All Encompassing Trip
I'm not gonna go into too much detail, but my grandpa has a matter of days left. He's very ill with alzhiemers, but he still knows who we are, his body is just giving out.

So I went to the nursing home to see him (on my birthday, and father's day) and I knelt by his bed while my dad talked to the nurse. he looked terrible.... So I just held his hand and he squeezed mine a few times to let me know he was still there.

But when I left and got home......the weird part is I blasted on my stereo the Animals version of "House of the Rising Sun".........It never occured to me but now that song reminds me of death so much. I guess maybe because I watched the movie Casino a few nights ago and they play it at the end when everything is changin' and everyone is getting whacked. But I played it for 4 hours and it just makes me think of my grandpa on his death bed.
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • wolfbearwolfbear Posts: 3,965
    So sorry about your grandpa. :( That song has stood the test of time due to the depth of lyrics, vocals and music and always will. It has meant much to me over the years as well. Best wishes your way. :)
    "I'd rather be with an animal." "Those that can be trusted can change their mind." "The in between is mine." "If I don't lose control, explore and not explode, a preternatural other plane with the power to maintain." "Yeh this is living." "Life is what you make it."
  • zenithzenith Posts: 3,191
    no doubt its painful now, but the song will hold memories for you. In time they become melancholy.

    Your grandpa knew you were there, he's saying goodbye. Having seen many honorable old folk finish their run in this sad way, i can only say you've been given a special thing to take away, as has he.

    be strong *hug*
    impatience is a gift ........
  • AbookamongstthemanyAbookamongstthemany Posts: 8,209
    Oh.. the squeezing your hand part brought tears to my eyes. I totally remember the feeling of watching my grandfather pass away so slowly of emphysema. He was so thin and pale and could barely do anything on his own by the end. It was hard to watch because he had always been such a proud man. Towards the end when I would sit with him in his room and watch the football games with him on Sunday, he would also make slight gestures to me like a pat on the hand or a wink to let me know he appreciated the company and my presence with him in his time of need.

    So sorry about your grandpa, my thoughts are with you...
    If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.

    Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
    -Oscar Wilde
  • mookie blaylock 10mookie blaylock 10 Posts: 4,042
    positive thoughts for you and your family, malcom x. sounds like he knew you were there. that's strong.

    be well.
  • Fighting HellfishFighting Hellfish Posts: 3,170
    It's amazing how different life events can give songs a whole new meaning to you. Forever Young from boston 2006 will always make me think of my Mom, who passed last year. The song is more about life than death, but it was very comforting. And now, after hearing Bruce dedicated Thunder Road to Tim Russert, and watching them play the song on meet The Press yesterday over video and pictures of Tim, that song will always make me think of him now.
  • Malcolm_XMalcolm_X Posts: 93
    Yeah thanks, its so weird, I'm listening to the House of The Rising sun (Animals version) right now, and for the first time ever it is totally reminding me of my grandpa. I always thought "The Boxer" by Simon & Garefunkel would make me think of him cause he was a former pro boxer, but man this song is really hittin home.
  • libragirllibragirl Posts: 4,632
    aww...I'm so sorry about your grandpa, that must be so hard. I know what you mean about songs. It's weird how they can evoke so much emotion.
    These cuts are leaving creases. Trace the scars to fit the pieces, to tell the story, you don't need to say a word.
  • blackredyellowblackredyellow Posts: 5,889
    Sorry to hear about your grandpa...

    I lost mine about 6-7 years ago... he had ongoing heart trouble and died in the hospital. I saw him the day before he died... he was groggy, but still talking and looked ok, but we knew it was inevitable. He went downhill overnight and died the next day. I wasn't there for his last day, but my dad said he looked bad and was very bloated and unconscious.

    At first I felt bad for not being there at the end, but I was actually glad that I didn't see him that day... My last memory of him was when we were talking and he even cracked a joke or two... we told each other "I love you" (not very common between guys in our family) and that was it... It's kind of selfish, but I felt relieved that my last image of him was pretty much how he was.
    My whole life
    was like a picture
    of a sunny day
    “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”
    ― Abraham Lincoln
  • pearljamgirl07pearljamgirl07 Posts: 792
    sorry about your loss:( .I know what you mean cause everytime I listen "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera it makes me think about my Dad who passed away 12 years ago.
    "You're the eve of my destruction in the garden of fears"
  • upina2001upina2001 Indiana Posts: 764
    god bless you and your family.

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