Respect

M and I were gone this weekend. We went to visit my grandfather, who lives on the other side of our country (about a 4 hour drive). He's 93 so it's always really special to be with him. I have so much respect for him! Even though he's ninety-three he still lives independently. (He's lived in this senior house ever since he was 55, that's pretty cool. How many people get to pay off their senior home?) He eats from Meals on Wheels, has a weekly maid and a nurse who visits him three times a week. His neighbors are really attentive. Grandpa gives them the paper when he's done with it and they check on him and bring him French Fries every Friday.
My aunt is there one day a week and my mom goes over at least one weekend a month. She can't visit any more because of the distance.

I am always amazed by the amount of knowledge my grandpa has. He used to be an elementary school teacher and principal (yes I'm third generation!) and therefore knows a lot, but he's also really up to date on news and other current events. He has four grandchildren and knows exactly what they're up to. For instance, he'll ask me about my chickens and if the cat is ok again after his accident. I can't believe he remembers all that! Considering his age I wouldn't be surprised if his short term memory was failing a little every once in a while, but I never notice that with him. He always tells us stories about his youth and life after that, and even though the same stories pop up every once in a while there's always something new he adds to them.

He plays cards like crazy, too. Beats us all the time, I don't know how he does it. Of course he's in weekly training playing cards at the senior center, maybe that explains it. And if he hadn't voluntarily turned in his driver's license because he thinks he's too old to drive, he'd still be cruising around town too I'm sure.
I respect him so much, and of course I love him. We have a lot in common. Hopefully (not statistically) he'll be with us for a long time!