BOB

It has been quite some time since I wrote… I felt inspired to write again since I wrote about my grandmothers passing one year later, I thought I’d do the same for my grandfather. My grandfather was a strong & stern mans kind of man you know! He worked hard everyday of his life to provide for his family and he took pride in that. I’ve only known Bob as Grandpa Wion whom was around for the important stuff, sat on the couch in his boxers & watched sports. My grandparents were only six months apart as grandpa would always point out grandma, she was 6 months older then him. Grandpa passed 6 months after grandma which honestly made me feel a sense of peace. We all knew that after she was gone he wouldn’t be far behind, he didn’t know how to live without her. Those 6 months were hard without her and even harder to visit him. I had to force myself into their apartment every visit knowing she wasn’t going to be there. I did it because I love my grandfather, I did it because that is what my grandmother would have wanted. I brought my kids to visit him, we played bingo a couple times, I shaved his face & made his bed. I did some of the things she would have wanted me to do. The things she did for him everyday she lived with him. It had only been 6 months since I lost Grandma Wion someone that meant the world to me, more then words will ever be able to describe. In the thick of healing after losing her, I lost him too. I got a call telling me that I needed to see him in the next couple days. I planned to go the day after that call with my kids. My cousin called and said he was going that evening I felt compelled to go too. I walked into that apartment and saw my father holding his hand, kneeling next to him being so loving & patient. For the first time in my life I saw my father have pure unconditionally love & compassion for his father. Needless to say they had a very complicated relationship. I lost it, i lost it because I knew the feelings my father had towards this man yet in that moment I only felt the love. It touched me deeply! When I sat next to him I held his hand, he didn’t know who I was and that was ok. The only words I heard him say in my time visiting was “I want to go on the train” and ” I want to see Joann” (my grandmother). I spent a little longer with him and helped him into bed along with other family that was there. I kissed his cheek and told him I loved him I also whispered in his ear ” you tell grandma I love her and I miss her tremedoulsy “. The next day early morning Robert (BOB) Wion passed away. July 23rd 2019

I was the only one to stand up and speak at my grandfathers service. I did it because it’s what she would of wanted & he deserved that!

My grandpa Wion…..

serious, strong, hard-working, dedicated, stubborn, miticulous these all words I would use to describe him. But I think his grandkids unlocked a part of his heart that had not yet been touched.  To me I feel like having the four of us took on the new role of grandpa.   It made him lighter, calmer, he laughed a little more maybe even a little louder.  He became more gentle.

Every softball game, play, musical concert & grandparents day when I would look up to see Grandma he was always right there by her side.  Grandpa was a part of all those wonderful memories too.  I know sometimes he seems to get over shadowed by grandma.  I am forever grateful and appreciative of his hard-working nature and determination to take care of his family. It allowed us to grow and have fun while doing it. Some of the things that make Bob Wion grandpa are whisker rubs, learning how to play pool, The Brown Bear, ketchup on everything, his little rubber coin purse, his love of watches & his bathroom announcements…. 15 minutes is all the time we had to use the bathroom before he did. 

Watching his disease take over was the hardest thing for me. Although his memories faded mine won’t, he’ll be in my heart right next to her where he has always been. 

He will be missed. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.