Sunday, February 14, 2010

Valentine's Day Memory

Remembering my Grandpa this Valentine's Day.

My Grandpa and I

February 14, 2007 - It was the day I received a blood test confirmation that I was pregnant (with Matthew). We hadn't exactly planned on adding to the family yet. But I was excited. I couldn't believe it - our first child. I couldn't help but smile. And even if I wasn't smiling on the outside, I was beaming inside. I plotted to tell Bill in the evening when we were both home from the office via a "Congratulations, soon-to-be-dad" greeting card.

But as life gives us something to celebrate, it also gives us pause. The same day I found out I was expecting, I also learned of my Grandpa's battle with colon cancer in the Philippines. Stage 4 - the final stage. The prognosis wasn't good. The last time I saw him was Christmas 2006. I was so thankful to have made that trip so my last memory of time spent with him was a happy one. He passed away a few months after the diagnosis.

Grandpa and Ria

A few weeks before he left this world, I told him via text message (he was always not in any condition to talk on the phone when I called) that we were expecting and he was going to be a Great Grandpa. He replied via text message, "Congratulations! I'm sure you will be blessed with a beautiful, healthy baby boy." At that time, I thought we were having a girl. He was right.

Bill and Matthew