Curtain up. This was my favorite game growing up. My grandfather and I invented it, it was our thing. It helped with my improvisational skills...so if you love my quick remarks, thank my granddaddy.
I did not grow up believing in fate. Not because my household didn't preach it, my mom definitely did,but because the concept of my life already being predetermined is something I couldn't wrap my head around.Honestly,it's a concept I still struggle with,but have adopted a stronger faith in my older and (slightly) wiser years.
One night in particular, though, really made me realize that everything happens for a reason.It was February 1, six years ago,I was the scary age of 19. After getting my hair done,I think I was blonde at the time, I didn't want to sit in traffic on 75,as anyone traveling from Downtown Dallas to Plano can understand. So I stopped by Sonic and picked up a small chocolate milkshake, they were my granddaddy's favorite. He had just gotten a new knee and was in the rehabilitation area of the hospital. It was time to visit and push him to his best, like he always pushed me.
As I walked into the room, something seemed a little off. My grandfather laid in bed, with my grandmother sitting dutifully (as always) by his side. His belly looked huge.If you knew or saw my grandfather,you know that he was quite a large man normally. I sat next to him telling him about school, work, and updating him on my then-boyfriend. I had just gotten back from Chicago with my Model United Nations team (nerd alert!) and couldn't stop gushing to him.He pointed to his forehead, telling me how smart I am.This is a small gesture he continually did while I was growing up, and I think about it often today.He could tell I was growing more and more concerned about his tummy...it was just so puffy. Of course he wouldn't go to the ER, or bother the on-call doctor.I guess we know where my stubbornness comes from.
Alvin Noah Jacobs passed away early the next morning.Six years ago today. He continues to push me to be my best, and often I can feel him pointing to his forehead from heaven, telling me that I am smart. I'm so lucky that I got to spend 19 years with you granddaddy....curtain down.
