Earlier this week I got an unexpected call from my dad with some not-so-great news. My beloved grandma had a massive stroke and was in critical condition due to complications from it. Now before I go any further I want to clarify that she is okay and is doing great considering the circumstances. We are so proud of her!
Even though she will be fine, this whole ordeal came as a huge shock to me. My Grandma turned eighty-one this year, but is in great shape and is fiercely independent. She’s lived alone for almost twenty years (since my Grandpa passed), hates to have anyone help her out or take care of her. Instead she loves to take care of others, and is always doing favors for her friends and family. With the exception of college, I’ve lived within 15 minutes of my grandma for my whole life, and I am extremely close to her. I am very lucky to have such a close relationship with her, and that she is such a great role model for me.
After I heard about her stroke, I drove home as soon as I could to be with my Grandma in the hospital. I know this meant the world to her, and it took everything I had in me not to burst into tears once I got there. Seeing her in that condition was really difficult for me, and was also a huge wake up call. Because she has always been a big part of my life, I guess that I never really imagined a time where she wouldn’t be.
Though I wish this had never happened, I guess it’s just another reminder that life is short and that we shouldn’t take it for granted. I often forget that tomorrow is not promised to anyone, and this has definitely reminded me of that. I am so thankful that my Grandma will be okay. The progress she’s already made has surprised all of us, and I know that she will continue to recover and blow everyone away!
