Of recent, my paternal grandpa’s health has not been doing so well. There has been much deliberation over the last 2 weeks as to his status and when the right time was to go and visit. As a last heroic effort, he was transferred to the ICU about 1.5 weeks ago now to have doctors do what they could to improve his condition. Within the last 24 hours, he was transferred back to the oncology floor where he was before.
My wife and I made the decision to visit him June 12. That day, we were able to book last minute flights for us, baby, my parents and brother on Omni Airlines, a most punishing flight. It didn’t help that space was very cramped and I had an extra 25 lbs of carry-on in my lap the majority of the way. Oh yeah, and the lack of sleep. When we got here, we went to the hospital where my grandfather was in good spirits. He recognized everyone there in addition to my Uncle, Aunty and only cousin. He even recognized his great-grandson for the first time, as we had tried to send lots of pictures to him in the previous 9 months. Although, he can’t say much due to his shortness of breath, he whispered “nine…nine” to me, which is Edison’s birthday.
I have to say that my son has been a champ this whole trip. He’s got two big teeth protruding though his upper gums and is having a hard time with that. Plus, the humidity and jetlag are not helping either. But he’s been giving us all the levity to brighten up these sad days. Although I knew how important this was, it was seemingly, a difficult decision to make. Knowing that there were no babies/children allowed in the ICU, we came anyways. A special exception was made for us that allowed us to bring him in. I can’t tell you how very lucky a break that was.
He’s up now and I have to go feed him. We are here in Aiea. As a family. And I couldn’t be any prouder in a most difficult time.
