Joseph "Joe" Andy Hall...Apollo's great grandfather and patriarch of my wifes family. With a heavy heart, I struggle to put into words how I feel about this man. I have only known Joe for 8 years but I feel as is I have always know him, that he is my grandfather. Tonight Grandpa Joe is fighting for his life. A seemingly rapid decline of his health since Christmas, landed Joe in the hospital a week ago. It is cancer...his body and bones are riddled with it. At his request, Joe is back in his own home now with 24 hour nursing care. We raced up to Central Oregon Friday night to be with Grandpa Joe. It broke my heart to see this man so frail. The pain he is enduring is unbearable.
At 83 years old, Joe was still very active and always on the go. His mind is sharp and his wit is quick. Always a humorous story to tell, or someones feathers to ruffle, or leg to pull. I admire this man. Stubborn, always in control, yet tender, caring and loving.
I left Melanie and Apollo at Grandpa's home while myself, Ian and Aden headed back to California. Saying goodbye to Grandpa was so hard. He was bright and alert and is well aware of his condinition. I hugged him, looked into his piercing blue eyes and said, "goodbye". I held his gaze for a few moments...I read so much in those eyes. I could tell that he thought that would be the last time he looked at me or his two oldest great grandsons.
It could be days now or weeks. No one really knows. Grandma Hattie and Pat will surely be by his side when that time comes, to bring him home.
-Joe, you welcomed me into your family and treated me as if I was your own. My son carries a part of you with him. You will be greatly missed!
Until we meet again...
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