*In Memoriam*

December 31, 2001, my grandfather passed away. He was 87 years old, and staying in an assisted living facility because he suffered from dementia, was too weak to care for himself, and kept having TIA's (mini-strokes). When we put him in the home in September that year, we knew he didn't have long, but no-one exepected it to be that soon. But he was happy there...cute nurses aide's to flirt with, and LOL, my grandpa was always ever the flirt. In fact he was downright ornery at times. Then again, his 94 year old roomate, Alex wasn't much better... Alex would always try and cop a feel whenever he could. Even I had to discourage him a few times. The staff could even get Alex to sing "Who Let the Dogs Out"

But anyway, tragedy began to strike our family late that year. In November of 2001, a cousin of mine was killed in a head-on car crash about 2 miles from his home. He was only 2 years older than me. (I was 23 then) On December 17, My Uncle Jim, my grandpa's brother, died from stroke complications. Exactly two weeks to the day after that, December 31st, my grandfather passed away. Then, exactly one month to the day after my grandfathers death, another of his brother's passed away from complications from diabetes.

I thought I was doing okay this year...yes, I still missed him as much as always, but then after an appointment this morning, I stopped by the church (I haven't been attending for a long time due to personal reasons). I made an offering to light candles for New Year's blessings, and just broke down sobbing, first in front of the tabernacle, then in front of the manger scene, literally totally inconsolable. The grief just poured out of my heart. Yet even though I was by myself, I did not feel alone. I went to the connecting hall, called the rectory, and asked the priest if I could talk to him, and he came and spoke with me, and counseled me immediately.

So now, I ask you to please pray...not for me...I know I will be fine...I have my strength, the love of my family and friends, but to pray that my grandfather is not worrying about me tonight, that he is happy up there in Heaven, where he went on 12/31/01 to be reunited with my grandma again, and that they are once again together and happy...he is with his brothers, sisters, parents, friends, etc., looking down on those they love. Because I know that seeing me upset would upset him.

I close this in part with the message I wrote on the back of the picture he held clasped in his hand when they buried him:

"Tonight, there is a new star in the heavens, and all is right with the world" ******************************************************************************* Rest in Peace

Charles L. Hughes (Grandpa) 1914-2001 Cecilia G. Hughes (Grandma) 1918-1989

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