William Douglas

My Grandpa passed away today. He was 88 years old. When he was here visiting for his 80th birthday, he told my mom not to grieve if anything happened to him. He had lived a full life and was ready to move on.

My Grandma passed away many years ago leaving my Uncle Earl and Grandpa the only family on the east coast. Last year my Uncle lost his job and decided to follow through with plans to move to Arizona. My parents moved to Arizona too and they purchased a large house with my Uncle. The plan was to have my Grandpa move in with them.

After my parents and Earl got settled in, it was time to get my Grandpa. I know it was a rough transition for him. He was blind and had to learn to navigate in his new surroundings. During the course of the year my sister Khim and her husband Kevin (fiance at the time) were able to visit. Khim was thrilled to see Grandpa and to receive his blessing for their marriage. Dylan and I were able to visit too and Grandpa got to meet his great-grandsons. He could not see them but I know he enjoyed hearing them laugh and play. I think Ky climbed under the table a few times while Grandpa was eating and played with his feet. I think we got a little chuckle from Grandpa. =)

He was in pretty good health until a few weeks before my sisters wedding. He was having trouble walking, got the chills, wasn't eating well and seemed really confused. My mom was worried to leave for the wedding knowing how difficult it was for Earl to take care of him. He seemed to get a little better so my mom left for the wedding with Grandpa heavy on her mind. Two hours after my mom and dad returned to Phoenix the decision was made to call an ambulance for Grandpa. He was having a hard time breathing.

The prognosis was not good. He was in renal failure, had fluid around his heart and in his lungs. He was in the hospital for a few days and then went to hospice. He slipped into a coma yesterday afternoon and my parents were told that he did not have much longer. We prayed he would pass soon and be free of pain. He passed peacefully at 630am.

I am so happy that he was able to spend his last year with his children and that they were with him and able to say goodbye. I know he left this world feeling loved.