A Man named Carroll

Let me tell you about a man named Carroll, he's my "Gramps." Growing up we always called him Gramps and/or Grampy. He and my Grammy would spend the winters down in Sarasota as we were growing up. It was always great to see them. I know one isn't supposed to have "favorites" per say but Gramps and Grammy were definitely my favorite grandparents. During the winters, Gramps and Grammy took in as many of our softball games as they possibly could during they week. He loved to come and watch us play, he would get a hot dog or two at the park and the traditional bag of popcorn or peanuts to round out the meal. We would always hear how good the food was there.

No matter what request we had of him, he always obliged. He was great with us. I'm writing of him today as he is on my mind of late. He will turn 90 years old on April 5th. When asked how he's doing, his normal reply is "Well, I'm gonna make it another day." Two days ago, after just getting out of the hospital he fell and broke his hip. Being a nurse, I know that a broken hip in an elderly man is hard to overcome and the road to recovery is a long one. He had surgery and they placed pins in his hip, he seems to be dealing with the whole thing okay. When I spoke to him last night asking how his day went, I got the standard answer, "Looks like I'm gonna make it another day." He also informed me that he "still hates hospital food" and when asked about his nursing care, he states "I'm making them work for their pay this week." I just chuckled and thought, what a way to look at life.

I honestly don't know what the future holds for him. I honestly hope "he's gonna make it for another 10 years." Either way, I'm so fortunate to have had him all these years!!!

I love ya, Gramps!