Grandpa Olson

My grandparents lived here for a long time and then about 9 or 10 years ago they moved down to Arizona for my Grandpa's health. Well he kept getting worse and worse. He had emphazima. They moved to Minnesota after it was getting really bad so they could get help from my aunt Kathi. Well he was getting so bad one year so my Aunt Lorna and my dad went out there for a couple days. He was really bad. Not really responsive except for when someone held his hand. They left and my dad said it was so so hard for him to leave, because he knew it would be the last time he would see him. So, they left.

The next week was Christmas. He woke up Christmas morning and was fully concious. They said it was a miracle. They asked him if he remembered anyone being there. He didn't. He had such a good day and the next day was worse than ever. 5 days after Christmas we were sitting at home and my dad was talking to my aunt on and off.

Then the call came. I remember it like it was yesterday. That night I was supposed to have a sleepover with a friend. My dad hung up with my aunt and my sister was on the couch watching The New Guy and I was on the computer playing a game. He said, "Well.. He's gone." I didn't know what to say. "Are you serious?" I choked out. "No he's kidding." Said Erika. There was a chouch behind our couch and It was like slow motion I just layed my head down and little tears dropped onto the floor. I couldn't get it through my mind. Then my dad went up stairs to tell my mom. Me and Erika slowly and quietly walked upstairs. My mom was crying, and me and my sister couldn't stop. (it's really hard just typiing this) We just sat on the edge of my parents bed and cried and cried. I still cry a lot of times. Just thinking about that day hurts me. My mom asked me if she should call Caitie and tell her I couldn't come over. I told her yes. My mom called her and with a quiet voice I heard Caitie say, "Sister Olson? Can I talk to Erin?" She told me how sorry she was and I just sobbed.

Then the next day was New Year's Eve. Aunt Lorna's family came over here so we could all fly out the next morning. New Year's day we were off and we went to Minnesota. I remember getting to my Aunt's house and reading his obituary. It was like I was the only person in the room even though it was so loud. It was like my Grandpa was telling me those stories. That night everyone was drinking and partying. My dad was so mad. He felt so disrespected and so did my Grandma. It was not the time to party and that's all they were doing.

The next morning was the funeral. We all got ready and went off. I got to the funeral with my Aunt and Uncle and all I did was read the announcment and I was done. I cried and cried because there was a poem on the back that was just what he went through. My aunt took me on a walk and just talked to me and there were so many hugs from Marshall and Laci. Then my dad had to talk during the funeral. He did awesome. I on the other hand started bawling again. The funeral was amazing though.

I miss him. I love him. And I really wish he was still here with us. It is so hard for me to think about him and talk about him and tell people this story. I love my grandpa so much and I don't know what I would do if I didn't ever get to know him. He was an amazing person and I can't wait to see him again.

Love you Baco.