One Hug Can Say So Much

My Grandpa is a great man. It seems like he never changed throughout my whole life. From my very first memories of him...up until a few years ago, he looked the same, sounded the same, acted the same. Recently he's had some health issues that have taken their toll on him physically but he still has the same great personality and attitude he's always had.

My Grandpa has always been a man of great faith. Unwavering faith. He has always been a church goer but he isn't the preachy type. He applies his faith to his every day life and, because of that, is always a great comfort to those around him. It seems he visits hospitals as much as he is at home. Whether it's a baby being born, awaiting a surgery, or expecting a death...Grandpa is always there. He's been there through all three of those things for me...some of them, more than once. He always has a gentle hug to offer. During that hug, he always whispers in to my ear. "Love you, gal." Those words have a way of making one feel that everything will be okay. It's a quiet sort of strength that he passes on to those around him.

Chuck always looked up to my Grandpa. When talking about him to someone who never met him, he would always say, "Bob is such a good guy." Then he would go on to describe how much he knows, how much he is still able to do at 80+ years old. You could always tell how much he respected and admired Grandpa.

Of course Grandpa was one of the first to visit Chuck after he got released from the hospital. He came over and sat here and talked with us...his focus mainly being on Chuck. As a matter of fact, I almost felt like an intruder at the time. Chuck talked a little with Grandpa about his feelings...about how he wanted to handle what time he had left. I think he felt more comfortable talking to Grandpa than anybody else.

Before he left that day, Grandpa offered to say a prayer. It was obvious that prayer really touched Chuck. And then he hugged Grandpa goodbye. Chuck hugged him tight. He didn't let go for quite some time. It was such a sight to see. Two of my favorite men offering and receiving love and strength without any words.

Grandpa came back over the night before Chuck passed away. He sat with him, held his hand, and talked to him. He talked about that hug. He talked about how, for the first time in 20 years, Chuck was the last to let go. Grandpa felt something that I could only watch from the sideline. He must have felt something awesome in that final hug.

I know Chuck was scared when he hugged Grandpa. He must have been terribly afraid. I don't believe he was only holding on tightly to the man he loved and adored so much...he was also holding on to all of Grandpa's faith and beliefs. He was clinging to hope. He was touching pure love. While it brought him almost to tears because it was the first step of letting go and the first of many goodbyes, I'm sure it also had a reassuring and calming effect on him.

We always assume that we will have to watch our older relatives go before us. It's really something to think that Chuck will be among many others welcoming Grandpa when it's his time. And they will hug. A hug of reunion instead of goodbye. And I'm sure Chuck will have a smile on his face, a knowing look in his eyes, and a heart brimming with appreciation and love.