107 years old...

I just received a call from my aunt in Georgia to tell me that my grandfather is ill. His organs are beginning to fail him, and that we should all start making plans to come visit him.

Initially it sounds really sad... but in the course of conversation, my aunt casually starts a sentence with, "well, at 107 years old..." and I had to stop her... What did you just say? 107 years old? Grampa is 107 years old? wow.

I know I should have had some idea of his age, as most people know at least what decade of age their grandparents are... but this is my fathers dad. I didn't really grow up spending too much time with him. Plus... he was well into his 70's and already old when I was born. So he never seemed to age to me because... well... 5 years added to old... is still just... really old... lol

He never seemed to change because he was still very active and competent. He was even FRISKY! He used to flirt with women ALL the time (which always grossed me out.) Did I mention that he had completely lost his site by the time I was 8, and used his blindness as an excuse to be feely touchy with women? Yes... my grandfather is quite a character.

But at 107, you can't really be sad. Living to be 107 is to be celebrated. It's a blessing. My grandfather has lived a full life. Hell, he had my dad when he was in his 50's (clearly my dad was NOT planned... lol) And he now has great great great grandkids. He has lived through Jim Crow, the Civil Rights movement, 2 World Wars, Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Great Depression, the invention of the TV, computer and the internet, the first man on the moon... and soon the nations first Black president!

Its amazing to me... our lack of a relationship seems like such a missed opportunity... There is such a wealth of experience that I could have learned from. Well, at this point, there is not much I can do about it.

Anyway, I am not sad. I am happy that he got to see and experience so much. And I am glad that he is not in pain. AAAAND... I am REALLY happy and glad to have his genes... lol

Time to take a trip.

Comments

[Nikki]

Wow, 107? I could only hope to be around at that age.

[i. am.]

Great Posting.
def. time to make that trip.
and get as much info about the family as you can.

all those family secrets!

[Darius T. Williams]

LOL - yea, I was gonna be sad...but I can't. At 107 - yup, that's a good life!

Alright for coming through and teasing us with this post - when will u be back Toyce? Two weeks to post again.

*breathes heavily*

I can't take it!

[C. Baptiste-Williams]

at 107 he has lived for 2 black men.

to think all the ups and downs of being in America he has seen.