support and Grandpa

Grandpa Barnes passed away on Sunday, July 6th. It took us all by surprise, yet it is peaceful knowing that he's with God and Grandma. I figure that's a pretty good combination. Yet I have to admit, I wasn't (and am still not completely) ready to let him go. I loved Grandpa so dearly, and he really touched my heart. I have countless memories from childhood that involve gpa, like being out at the lake and playing in his office, counting bluebird eggs at Lake Wissota and learning to waterski. I will cherish those memories forever. I also have a fresh batch of memories; those from the past couple of years when Grandpa's health was declining and he was weaker. The memories I have from this time, especially the past year, are from visits we had when I really got around to appreciating his wisdom. The last time I saw Grandpa was 2 weeks before he died, when we spent a large chunk of the day together at the Emergency Room in Sacred Heart Hospital. Grandpa was in fairly good spirits when I was with him, and we actually had a great visit with good conversation. It was several hours later when the nurses told Grandpa that he really shouldn't be talking much as it decreased his strength. I felt guilty for having engaged him in conversation about setting up house on Lake Wissota, although now I wouldn't take back that day for anything. He was an extraordinary man, and will be missed.





I discovered another plus of working with kids- they have an ability to affect you in a positive way without even trying. I came back to work at Jackson Elementary School on Monday after having been home for the previous week to be with the fam, and received a batch of homemade sympathy cards. They are adorable, and touched me so much!!! I am going to really miss the kids in my classroom, they just have beautiful, untainted hearts.