My Grandpa, Fred William Spading, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, September 22, 2020.  It has been hard to sit down and write about his passing, and I know that most of you have learned this news already.  Grandpa was 92 years old and was married to my Grandma for 68 years.  They celebrated their wedding anniversary this month. In spite of the long time Grandpa lived, the marriage that spanned almost seven decades, and our overwhelming amount of gratitude we have for being with him until the very end, it still feels like he has gone too soon.  It is a reminder that it is hard to say goodbye to a loved one even if they live a long and full life.

The MRSA infection that led to the end of his life felt like it came on strong and fast, though he had been showing symptoms that couldn't quite be nailed down for about a month prior to his passing. Both the illness and the questions about how elderly and/or terminally ill patients are treated when they become very sick were contentious issues for us to face as a family when the doctor and medical team shared Grandpa's prognosis with us.  We went back and forth between accepting the reality and clinging to a glimmer of hope that he might recover and be well again.   I share this in part to reflect on the struggles that accompanied us on the journey to his passing, as well as to reflect upon the fact that elderly people continue to have a strong will to live, they have hopes and dreams, and families and friends that want to continue to enjoy their company and love.  Grandpa's illness was unexpected, moved quickly, and frankly, took us by surprise.  We miss him sooo much, and will continue to seek the comfort of his memory for a long time to come. 

Due to COVID and ensuring the safety of our family, friends, and community, a private funeral will be held in October.  We hope to hold a larger event in his memory in the future, when it is safe for us to gather.  I will continue to post as needed, to include the obituary, in the future. 

Thank you again for all of your kind words, earnest prayers, and thoughtful gestures.