Grandpa Has Moved!!

Today was a big day for our family. It is truly funny how things work out. Just last week I was not sure Grandpa would be up for moving. He was digging in his heals. He didn't want to talk about it. He was extremely skeptical about everything. Then one day Erik called him and said he was coming unglued so I called to check on him.

Him:

"Why am I moving close to you? Why am I not closer to Linda??"

Me:
"Well Grandpa I looked at several places near Linda and I personally wouldn't want to live in any of them. If I wouldn't want to live there then I figured you wouldn't want to either, this is the only place I loved."

Him:
"Ok, I guess that makes sense. In that case I want to move on Saturday."

Never mind that we were thinking March 1st, if then. Never mind that NOTHING has been packed or prepared.

But guess what? We totally pulled it off. He is moved and I really think once he has had a week or so to take it all in he is going to be really happy to be living there. The place is called The Springs, here is a link: The Springs It is a lovely retirement community that offers assisted living if he ever ends up needing it.

Residents wouldn't stop asking me questions, welcoming us, inquiring about grandpa. Everyone wants to be your friend. They all seem so HAPPY! I asked each person I came across what they thought of the place and they ALL raved about it.

At the end of the day, to welcome our family, The Springs even comped our whole meal (all 9 of us), long islands, filet mignon, dessert and all.

Across the room I see one of my favorite elderly people ever, Luther, who also happens to be one of the most hard to please people I have ever come by. I have been waiting on Luther for over 7 years now as he seems to follow me where ever I go and I can tell you IT IS HARD TO MAKE THIS GUY HAPPY!! Oh and did I mention he LOVES the place??? "5 stars" he says, "don't worry your grandpa will love it!! Give him a week!" He went on to rave about how many activities there are, all the nice people and great food.

We set up a little stand in front of Grandpa's door that highlight a few things about him. On the top of the stand is a little mail truck to symbolize his many years of work for the postal service. We had many interested neighbors stop by to comment on his nick knacks. It just so happens that the neighbor across the hall has a whole family full of people (including her husband) that have worked in the postal service too, they are really excited to get to know Grandpa.

It also turned out that he had worked with the bartender's father for many years, she was super thrilled by this connection. She feels like he is a part of her family.

I know this won't be the easiest transition for Grandpa but I am really hopeful that this new home will help pull him out of his depression and catapult him into a happy new life. He used to be the life of the party and now I think the party is right at his front door. : )