The

The It was early 2020.

Life was different following the pandemic and the year or so of recovery

that followed it, but life was good. Like most people, we were finally able to see family

and friends again more frequently, especially my grandfather.

He was in his 90s and he still lived on his own, but he was as sharp as attack.

I made sure every chance I got to go visit him or bring him up to my house so that he could spend time with my three-year-old son.

He was the only grandchild in the entire family, but how lucky was he that he also had a great-grandfather.

It wasn't too long into 2022 when we learned my grandfather's lung cancer had returned

and he decided to forego any treatment.

My grandmother had passed 10 years prior and he had already fought cancer once and he just felt like it was his time.

He moved in with my parents for the last few years and naturally his health deteriorated quickly.

His mind was always strong but his body failed him as the days and the weeks went by.

One afternoon I got a call from my mom that my grandfather was soon to pass and that I should

come quickly to say my goodbyes. He was already unconscious by the time I got to their house

but was comfortable and surrounded by family.

We each said her goodbyes, knowing that he didn't have long.

And before I left, I remember placing a photo of my son on his pillow.

By the time I got home, my wife and son were fast asleep and I soon followed.

It was just so emotional and physically exhausting, and I figured I needed as much sleep as possible

before the inevitable bad news would come.

But that a slumber would soon be interrupted.

...