Rest In Peace, My Sweet Grandpa

I knew this day would eventually arrive, but I sure didn’t think it would come so soon. On Monday afternoon, my grandfather took his last breath and passed from this earth to his heavenly home.

Sunday was a hard day for me as I saw the signs - I knew it was coming soon. I didn’t sleep well at all on Sunday night and prayed that I would have just one more chance to speak with him to tell him how much I loved him. My prayer was granted and Monday morning, my dad and I were able to speak with my grandfather. We talked about eternity and in the midst of our tears, my grandfather cracked jokes and made us laugh. He saw our tears and asked if we knew something he didn’t. He wanted to know if the Doctors were telling us something they weren’t telling him. I didn’t need a Doctor to tell me what I was seeing, all the signs were there. He then informed us, “I’m not giving up, y’all don’t have to worry”. Sweet man. Despite his body shutting down, his mind was still there, even at the very end.

Throughout the morning on Monday, his breathing became labored and his speech grew slurred. Around 2 p.m., the aide and I turned him. I was holding his hand and as he opened his eyes to look up at me, he asked for the time. I told him that it was 2 o’clock and he asked why I wasn’t at work. I responded that it’s because I was with him! He brought my hand to his lips, he kissed my hand, then told me that I was his angel. I told him I loved him and that was the last time I heard him say he loved me too. 

As his respirations continued to decrease, my entire family remained by his side. I found the Cajun French version of Amazing Grace on my phone and played the 3 minute song all the way through. We were holding his hands as he took his final breath.

As we prepare for his funeral today, I’m not ready – I don’t think I’ll ever be ready. I know I was blessed to have my grandfather around for so much of my life and I will cherish the wonderful memories we shared together.

Ogden Abshire, 92, was called to his Heavenly home surrounded by his loving family at 4:30 PM on Monday, July 1, 2013.

Mr. Abshire was born on July 8, 1920. He worked as a diesel mechanic for 32 years. Mr. Abshire attended Glad Tidings Church and St. Theodore Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Abshire played the guitar with Papa Joe Cairo and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family. He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Mr. Abshire was preceded in death by his wife and 1 son. He leaves behind 3 children, 11 grand children, 20 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

“I thank my God in all my remembrances of you.” Philippians 1:3