2/15/2012 Wednesday
My grandfather, Joe Spencer Sr., passed away in the night.
Mother and I packed up the car with snacks, clothes for overnight, and Holly, and off we went to Mats Mats to say with Grandma Eleanor Spencer. Mom, well versed by now in the practices of the affairs of the departed, set in on making the calls and arrangements for cremation and otherthings. I kept them all company. I pulled some photo albums from upstairs, and Grandma told me who this person and that person were. There were photos of a ski trip, where everyone shoved snow into each other's faces. My grandmother still has her yearbooks from when she attended Stadium Highschool in the 40's. She also has the yearbooks from the school my dad and aunt Joyce attended int he 60's. I plan on scanning the portraits, because some of them are amazing.
It is fairly quiet out here in Mats Mats.
My grandparents always remembered birthdays. They also made up candy bags for the kids (my parents counted as "kids") on Halloween and Easter, even though they were not particularly religious concerning the latter. They were also avid readers of this here blog, and often when my parents mentioned my achievements to them, they would reference my blog saying that they already knew. My grandmother is mostly electric chair bound, but carries on some lovely conversations and is not lacking in wit. Joe and Eleanor were married for sixty five years. How amazing is that?
Auntie Joyce is in Colorado, and Dad is in Houston, but is flying back tomorrow morning. Celia came by for dinner, and brought some treats from the bakery she works at. I sorted through so many amazing old photos, but most of the people I don't recognize. What does one do with photos of unknown people who are probably long gone? Grandma dozed off while we were watching Pretty Woman on ABC Family. Nothing says family like the movie Pretty Woman. Tomorrow, we'll pick up Dad and continue with everything.
2/16/2012 Thursday
I slept in whie mother tended to breakfast. Grandma was up and at them, and conscious of what had transpired the previous day.
The Hospice caregivers came over, one to keep her company, the other to give her a bath. Dad was flying in from Houston, so Mom and I drove to Silverdale to pick him up from the airporter. We had some Burger King for a late lunch/early dinner, and then we returned to Mats Mats. Grandma Eleanor can't be left alone. She doesn't require much care, but she does need someone else around.
I have been sorting through so many photos, and I've barely even started sorting them in a way that prepares them for life in albums. I keep finding boxes, and I know there are more. Still, it is a good project. Found a wedding photo of my Great Great Grandmother Nellie Pratt. I should do a family tree.
Dad went to sleep at around 7:30pmish. Mom and I stayed up a bit and watched stuff quietly on my computer. It has been a major bonding experience with my mother, these past few days.
2/17/2012 Friday
More calls are constantly being made. Joyce won't be in Mats Mats till Monday, so one of us needs to be there at all times. After tea and sandwiches, Mom and I departed to take a break in Seabeck. Dad stayed behind to help and work on paperwork and this and that. Nothing can really progress till we get a death certificate.
Mom took a nap, and I checked what has been happening on the Internet. I also scanned some photos. We snacked a bit and rested. Mom has headed back to Mats Mats for the night, but I, and Holly, are staying in Seabeck. Just three days into it all, but it feels like much, much more.
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