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be long gone and headed for Texas." On our way to Texas, mom told me what the letter to grandpa said. I remember thinking on the way to his funeral, those words had caused the stroke that killed him. When we moved, I never for one second thought that the next time I'd see my grandpa, would be in an open-casket with his hands resting atop his belly. Never, did I think there would be a time when I couldn't even bring myself to touch him. It all just seemed too surreal.

"I just couldn't tell you in person that I was taking your granddaughter so far away. I knew you would try to talk me out of it or want her to stay with you. Neither of those acceptable. I love both you and mom very much and we'll be back to visit very soon. This isn't good-bye forever." That's how mom's letter to grandpa ended. Haunting last words.

I'm sure my grandpa is around in spirit and I do hold on dearly to all of our wonderful memories. "You better pick-up that bottom lip ... " he'd tell me "before you trip over it." That request was usually followed up with him tickling the heck out of me, until I could convince him I was about pee my pants.

I think if we were to receive a letter from my grandpa today it would read, "Dear Daughter, By the time you read this I will be long gone and resting peacefully in Heaven. I love you both very much and I'll try to visit often. This isn't good-bye forever." Rest in peace grandpa, August 15, 1917 - November 7, 1986.

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