"Here I am 5 months later. Saying goodbye again..
I have a lot of fond memories here in Berwyn. It's the place I grew up, it's where my family is from, it's where I spent my childhood with my grandparents.
Today marks the end of a major chapter in my life. It's been 10 years since I lived in Berwyn and 3 years since I lived in Illinois, but my memories are plentiful.
Today also marks another closing of a chapter, today I say farewell to my only grandfather and last grandparent. It's a strange feeling having nothing left but pictures and memories, but it's the memories that last the longest. I had an opportunity to spend the spring here in Illinois with my grandfather before his passing. With his condition and me going to Wyoming for work, I knew this would be my last chance to spend quality time with him. I live with no regrets!!
I have memories of him building me a snow hill in the backyard so I could go sledding when I was a little boy. I remember us watching wrestling every Thursday night on TV when I was a teenager. I remember countless times we went out for lunch and dinner, sometimes just the two of us, sometimes with grandma. The time I spent was plentiful and quality with both of my grandparents. I remember riding my bike around town and stopping upstairs at grandma and grandpas house for a snack. In recent years, I spent countless days in Wonder Lake enjoying the peace and quiet with both of them. But not always BETWEEN both of them!
My grandpa was a kind man, quiet but full of humor. With the loss of both grandparents in a 5 month period, this is especially difficult, even having the blessing to spend so much time with them over the last few years, as well as my whole life.
On Friday, I will return to my new home of the last 3 years in the wild west, leaving my grandparents, childhood, Berwyn and Illinois behind once and for all. With me, I will take the memories.
Thank You Grandpa, I Love You."
