October 30th, 2013. I lost one of the most important people in my life. He is the reason I am who I am today. He is the reason I have a home, the reason I was born, and the reason I strive for greatness. His death seemed impossible and inevitable all at the same time. I knew he was sick, but he had been sick for a while. Every time I heard he was getting worse, I put it behind me and pretended it wasn’t real. He was my neighbor, my role model, and my grandpa.
George Carper died of Prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers found in older men. He went through every treatment possible, flying across country to find the best doctor possible. His will to live was strong and he fought until the end. In his last weeks of life, my grandpa was provided an in-home hospital bed where he could stay in the comfort of his home while being connected to an IV. When I visted him, it was like visiting a stranger. He slept for the most part, and when he was awake he didn’t seem to recognize anything. After suffering a couple strokes, he was hardly able to talk. This was one of the hardest things for me because my Papa was the most intelligent man I had ever met. He was a mechanical engineer and was an extremely important person in my community. When asked his name, he would respond in grunts and confused looks. I could tell he was in so much pain, but my grandma was too afraid to give him the pain medication he needed. Finally my father (his son) stepped in and gave him the medicine. Then a miracle happened.
Seconds after the medicine dissolved, his eyes popped open. He stared out the window and spoke as if he had never been sick. He noticed the birds outside, spoke his name, and looked my father into his eyes and told him he loved him. We were all in total shock and used this precious time of consciousness wisely. We all had a chance to talk with him before he started to slowly return to his lethargic, confused state. As I began to leave the room, I walked up to his bed one last time. I knew this would be the last chance I got to say bye. I told him I loved him and that he was the greatest grandpa I could have ever asked for. I then began to walk away, only to be stopped by a dry, wrinkled hand wrapped around my wrist. “Goodbye honey.”
The sensation sent chills down my spine. I didn’t expect him to grab out to me, let alone speak to me. Only moments before he had no idea who any of us were. I will never forget how it felt to have him recognize me one final time, even in his worst condition. My Papa was the most successful, honorable, truthful man I have met to this date. I tried my best in everything I did just to hear his praise. I am so glad to have made him proud so far throughout my college career, and I will continue to do so.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/Cincinnati/obituary.aspx?n=George-S-CARPER&pid=167777344
Kendra Carper 