On December 27, 2007 at approximately 2:00am in the morning my Grandfather passed away.  He was 92.  My dad and his sister were with Grandpa when he passed away.  It’s been an emotional month for the entire family.  Everyone knew Grandpa’s health was failing, it had dramatically declined since Thanksgiving.  After he was hospitalized for having difficulty breathing on December 12^th, we all knew the end was near.  Family from all over the states flew in to see Grandpa.  They were able to have conversations with him, see him, touch him, hug him and love him the way every Grandpa deserves.  Grandpa held on to sp he could see everyone.  Christmas Eve is always our big family celebration with my Grandparents and this year was no different.  Grandpa’s health was failing yet his wit, his smile, the glimmer in his eyes, his sense of humor were all still there.  Since his passing I’ve had wonderful conversations with family members, I feel like I’ve gotten to know them better.  I feel closer to them then I have ever before, there is a bond between myself and some of the family members that will now always be there.  Part of me is sad that it took Grandpa’s passing for this to happen and the other part of me, the larger part of me is so very grateful for the gift that Grandpa has given me.  He has given me a gift of being grateful and thankful for the people that are in my family.  Thank you Grandpa for being my Grandpa, for being a role model, a wonderful man and now, in your passing, for bringing me closer to my family…our family.  Thank you.  I love you.