Grandpa Corky

Today is my Grandpa Corky's birthday. He passed away one month (to the day) before Aiden was born. I was on bed rest and did not get to go to his memorial service and I feel like I never really got to say goodbye. I miss Grandpa Corky. Jeremy misses Grandpa Corky. He was so caring and loving, and funny and grumpy and he had the best stories. I wish he could have met Aiden.

I think things happen for a reason. I think my Grandpa passed away a month before Aiden was born because we needed him - I knew that if the worst did happen, Aiden would have my Grandpa to watch over him until we could. When they told us that Aiden may not make it through his first surgery I remember whispering to him right before they took him away that if he could not stay with us that Grandpa Corky would be waiting to take care of him, would give him a big hug and that everything would be OK. I cannot even begin to express how much comfort that thought gave me through several tough times in Aiden's first few weeks.

I think my Grandpa passed on his strong will, strength and downright stubbornness to Aiden. He reminds me of him at times - he has a "Grandpa Corky" look that he gets when he is determined to do something (or pissed off that he can't do something!). We had already decided on Aiden's middle name long before he was born but, we decided to add a second middle name and gave him my Grandpa's middle name also - Thomas. Aiden carries a little piece of Grandpa Corky with him at all times, in more ways than one and it makes me happy to know that Aiden will grow up hearing my Grandpa's stories, Christmas dinner toast and all of his "Hoshall-isms".

Happy Birthday Grandpa Corky! We love and miss you. Thank you for being my Grandpa.

And happy 62nd wedding anniversary, too :)