This afternoon, about 12:30 pm a great man crossed over to the other side of the veil. My grandfather, Jack Boyd Thompson was known and loved by many. I am so grateful that I grew up living only 5 minutes from him and could see him on a daily basis. I have so many happy memories. I learned many things from him, and he was such a great support. I don't remember him ever missing anything as I was growing up. He wrote me almost weekly while I was on my mission. On the wall of my apartment, I have 2 sconces and a shelf he made. He also helped my dad make my cedar chest. I am so grateful for those and will treasure them forever.
His health has been going downhill the past little while. For the most part, the changes were very gradual. He started walking with a cane, and stopped doing his woodwork and working in his yard. Then he was put on oxygen. They moved to Fairwinds (an assisted living home for those reading this who don't know). He wasn't feeling well enough to be able to go to the temple for my sealing, which at the time broke my heart, but he did go to the reception that night. That is a memory I will always treasure. Those pictures are priceless.
Jeff and I were able to go home last weekend. He took a definite turn for the worse while we were there, and all our time with him was spend in either the ER or a hospital room. But I am so grateful for that time when I was able to see him one last time and say goodbye.
I texted mom after sacrament meeting this morning (and Jeff and I finished our talks) asking if she had any updates on Grandpa. She texted me back and responded that he would be gone within 24 hours. They made the decision this morning to start turning down his oxygen and giving him morphine. She called me 15 minutes later to say that she was on her way out, and that he would likely be gone before she got out there, and he was.
Mom told me that he went very peacefully, and that he looked very peaceful. He was ready to return home. He left with a long list of people to find, including his first wife and eternal companion, his parents, grandma's first husband and 2 little babies she lost, dad asked him to find his dad and tell him that he loves and misses him.
I know that he is happy now. Yes, it is hard to say goodbye, but it really isn't goodbye, but rather "See you later." I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge I have of where he is. I will see him again someday, and will be with him forever.
God be with you 'til we meet again, Grandpa. I love you.
Had some free time at work and wanted to check in on the blogs I have not had time to read. I love these pictures of you and Grandpa. He really was a wonderful, incredible man. We are better for having been born into his family. Mckayla told me that he really isn't gone. He may have died, but as long as he is in your heart then he isn't really gone. I love that thought.
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