Goodbye to Grandpa Grover

Brad's father, LeeRoy Grover, sadly passed away September 15, 2016 after a long battle with emphysema and being on hospice the last months since June.  Brad and his sister Jody were fortunate to have had lots of time with him over the summer during hospice as they took turns taking care of him.  The boys were also able to visit with him when he was feeling well so they had those last memories with him when he had the energy.  Brad was able to find very peaceful closure and was there the night his father passed, it was a very spiritual yet peaceful experience.  The photo above shows them holding hands as he took his last breath.  One of the best things that has come out of our living in Bemus the last several years is that we were able to spend precious time with Grandpa Grover.  The boys really got to know him and Grandma Nancy, and they formed a special bond that they will always think fondly on.  Brad was able to reconnect with his dad and have a closer relationship since moving to WNY.  They had so many wonderful father-son moments, the chess games, the poker nights, the holidays, even Brad being able to plan a surprise birthday party for his dad the year before.  I'm so happy that it all worked out that Brad had his dad close by his last years, I know it meant the world to him and to LeeRoy.  After Grandpa Grover's passing, a very nice funeral and burial was organized by his family, and Brad wanted Taj to attend the funeral partially, so we prepared for that emotionally and it also gave Taji a sense of understanding and closure in regards to death.  Jax stayed home and though he grieved his own way, he was still pretty oblivious to what it all meant.  Taji on the other hand really pondered on this subject and grieved heavily.  It was a teachable moment that challenged us as parents in just providing him with the right tools to decide for himself what he believes spiritually and we just allowed him to process it in his own way with gentle guidance.  Taji has a very deep, wise soul, and he had some pretty big life and worldly questions.  I love that we can have these big discussions with him, because he is so analytical and thinks/reasons at such a higher level than his peers.  I guess that's what makes him very empathetic, and sensitive to others and the world around him!  Rest in Peace, LeeRoy, you are missed and the boys think about you and bring up your name regularly! You will always remain in our hearts and memories.