October 23, 2012 ~ St. George for Grandpa

October 23, 2012 ~ St. George for Grandpa

Grandpa Hafen that lives in St. George is sick and will most likely be passing soon and so we all went up to St. George to see him. It was nice that Lucas and I were both able to get work off because it was the middle of the week. We went up to see him in the middle of the week because Sally didn't know how much longer he would hold on and we wanted to see him before he got too sick to talk. It is quite amazing though, he was golfing up until about 3 months ago and he has been totally independent and taking care of himself up until about a week ago. He has just gone down hill quick, a couple of his organs are shutting down. But I guess in reality that is the best way to go, independent and doing what you want and then only being bed ridden for a couple of days before passing. It was a nice trip though. At first it looked like it was going to be a very sad trip because when we first saw him he wasn't really responding to us and he was in bed. But then mid-afternoon he just woke up or something because he was in his wheel-chair outside with us and directing us how to pick pomegranates. Picking pomegranates is some hard work, I am surprised he has done it every single year until this year.  I am glad we were able to visit with him and talk with him. It was really special to be there with him and spend his last few days all together. It was like he was just holding on and waiting until he could say good bye to everyone and spend a little bit of time with them before he decided to pass.
"Grandpa, you were an amazing person and we are so thankful that you have been in our lives. Your memory will live on in our hearts, and as for me, in your golf clubs. We love you Grandpa." -Lucas