Sunday morning, Kelly’s mom called on Dad’s behalf to share the news of my grandfather’s passing. He was in town barely more than a month ago to see Mom, and even at 91 still the heartiest man I’ve ever known. Two weeks ago doctors diagnosed him with colon cancer after a visit for abdominal issues, and his response was something to the effect of “I’ve lived a full and happy life – open me up and take it out if you can, otherwise sew me up and let me be,” refusing a quality of life hit from chemo or radiation. Surgery removed a baseball-size tumor from the colon, but unfortunately recovery did not go as planned, and he did not make it out of the ICU.

His presence and support will be sorely missed as our family grows, and I hope pictures and shared stories of memories will keep his spirit and strength with us.