Five years ago today, Grandma lost her best friend and husband for 51 years; Mom and our Uncle lost their biggest cheerleader and confidante; and Asa and I lost the BEST Grandpa a dog could ever wish for. Mom still remembers that sad and stormy October night, as they drove home from the hospice for the last time. She sat in the backseat of Grandma’s car, while our Uncle drove. As she stared out of the rain soaked window, one raindrop had the reflection of a rainbow in it. Mom knew that was a sign from our angel Lemmy that Grandpa arrived safely, and that he was there to greet him.
We take great comfort knowing that Grandpa and Lemmy are together again. They were the best of friends from the moment they met. I know that doesn’t sound like much since Golden Retrievers make friends with everyone, but Lemmy and Grandpa shared a very special bond. Just the mere mention of Grandpa’s name would send Lemmy spinning and jumping with delight. And Grandpa would always put on the biggest grin when Lemmy entered the room. If he heard, “Grandpa’s coming,” Lemmy would anxiously sit by the door and wait for his arrival. Once Mom accidentally said this phrase two days before his arrival. Lemmy refused to budge from the door all day. Luckily Grandpa couldn’t wait to visit. So when he heard about his buddy’s plight, he came early so his best friend wouldn’t have to wait and skip any more meals. Yes, Lemmy was that stubborn and would refuse to eat while he kept watch for Grandpa!
They were true partners in crime, always getting into mischief together. Whether it was wrestling in the middle of the floor during a crowded holiday celebration, or Lemmy ignoring the four paws on the floor rule and suddenly becoming Grandpa’s lap dog, they always managed to break the rules when they were together. This frequently resulted in Mom or Grandma ordering the two of them to have a time out.
They also taught each other tricks. For example, Grandpa taught Lemmy how to jump up and remove his baseball cap. A trick that Lemmy wouldn’t dare try with anyone else! He also taught Lemmy how to gently remove his glasses and bring them to Grandma. That was definitely a Grandpa only trick! However, it proved very useful because prior to this trick Grandpa’s glasses often went flying off when wrestling. In return, Lemmy taught Grandpa their favorite game of “Har Har I have the Ball and You Don’t.” They never got bored of chasing each other around the yard…and occasionally through the house too!
As a puppy, I didn’t understand what Alzheimer’s meant. All I knew was that Grandpa could never remember my name, and always called me Lemmy. Even if I was standing right next to Lemmy! I would get mad and stomp my paws or grunt because I didn’t understand why he didn’t notice I was more handsome, intelligent, athletic…ok, you get the picture. But then one day Grandpa had a stroke, and while visiting him in the rehab hospital a nurse asked him who we were. Without hesitation he put on the biggest smile and enthusiastically responded, “They’re my grandsons!” It was then I realized no matter what Grandpa called me, he loved me. After that I responded to Lemmy’s name with pride. That name took on even greater significance after Lemmy died. Oh how Grandpa missed his best friend. He loved me, but like I said, they had a very special bond.
By the time Asa joined our family, Grandpa could no longer roll around and wrestle on the floor with us. But that didn’t matter to Asa. He liked to snuggle up to him placing his head on Grandpa’s lap so he could be petted. Grandpa often hummed happy tunes while doing it, and Asa would wag his tail in delight. Grandpa loved hearing the stories of our antics, and every day Mom would tell him about our latest adventures. He would light right up and laugh at Asa’s silliness, and commented about how smart I am. In fact as long as he was able, Grandpa would happily tell everyone he met about us, and took great amusement in not revealing until the end of the story that his grandsons were dogs.
When Grandpa passed away, I took it very hard. Every time we visited Grandma, I would go racing through their home searching for Grandpa, hoping he was just playing another one of our games and hiding. But alas, I knew in my heart he wasn’t there. And I’m ashamed to admit when Grandma visited us, I would look past her hoping that Grandpa was following behind. Now I greet Grandma with the enthusiasm I saved for Grandpa, and on visits to their home, if I find something with his scent on it I will breathe in deeply the familiar smell. Asa was just a puppy when we had to say goodbye to Grandpa. So he didn’t know him as well as I did. But he did know Grandma needed him, so while I searched the house, Asa would stay glued to her side following her every move. He still does.
It’s hard to believe that it has been 5 years since Grandpa left us. Some days it seems ever so much longer, while other times after sharing his stories it feels as if he just stepped out of the room for a moment. Grandpa wouldn’t want us to have droopy tails today. In fact, I’m positive he’s spending the day joyfully playing with Lemmy. So although we miss Grandpa and Lemmy and think of them often, it brings us great comfort knowing that they are together again, and no doubt breaking all the rules. Grandpa please take good care of our Lemmy, and we promise to take good care of Grandma for you. We’ll see you at the end of the trail.
