Just a few hours after my last post, my life changed forever. I got a call from my mom on Christmas night that my gramps was having severe chest pains, and they were snowed in and the medics could not get out to them. Through the night, a tremendous effort by my grandparents, parents, neighbors, local EMTs, and family was put forth to keep my gramps alive and get him to the hospital. It took over 3 hours for the medics to be able to get out to him due to the blizzard and 12-20 foot snow drifts blocking the roads. Gramps was escorted all the way to the genoa hospital, by the new CAT maintainer he was so proud of. He did make it to the hospital, but not for much longer. Unfortunately for us, my Gramps went to meet Jesus early morning on Dec 26th. It has been an extrememly tough, emotional, and heartbreaking journey for us. Seems like every corner I turn, I see something....that reminds me or makes me think of Gramps. He's no longer in pain, no longer worrying about his heart, no longer dealing with earthly things--and praise God for this; but we sure miss him already. I can't yet bring myself to eat the last of the peanut brittle on my counter that he made, his little treat he was so excited to perfect over the last few years. I want to thank again all of our friends & family for their love & support over this unimaginable season. We could not get through without all of the hugs & words of encouragement. Gramma is doing pretty well, she's tough, and I'm proud of her. She's heartbroken, obviously as her and gramps have been married for 54 years this month, and inseperable for at least that long. She's a survivor, and she's got all of us to help. My dad & his siblings too. It's amazing how even in the heartbreak, Gramps still gives us lots of laughs. Some of the things he would say, even in the midst of trouble, make us smile through our tears. He was one of a kind, and is by far missed already by everyone who knew him. Thank you again, to all who have been there for us. We love & appreciate you all.