Photo of the Day: Memories of Grandpa

Today’s blog post is dedicated to my grandpa, who passed away two years ago today. Even though I miss him all the time, it really was a blessing after several years of dementia and living in a nursing home.

This is one of my favorite photos of him. In 2008 he was living in the nursing home, and grandma was recuperating from surgery and couldn’t visit for a couple of months. Despite the memory loss, he knew that grandma hadn’t been visiting, and he was thrilled when she finally came back, constantly kissing her and holding her hands. Their love endured everything – 64 years of marriage and beyond.

Grandma and Grandpa, reunited after two months apart, August 2008

Day 26: Portrait of a hero

My grandpa, who just returned from the hospital yesterday with another bout of pneumonia, has always been a fighter. He was once a brave, handsome young man who fought in the war. He could build anything or fix anything. He taught me to fish, use a circular saw, ride a go-cart, shoot a gun, work hard. He proved that he could do anything, survive anything. He is still fighting and surviving, but this is one battle we heartbreakingly know he will eventually lose. For now, I’m trying to appreciate every minute I have with him, even if he may not remember me anymore. Because I’ll always remember you, Grandpa.


1/30 sec., F4.0, ISO 800
18-55mm lens (18 mm), no flash