*A VERY SAD DAY*

Today Heaven gained a sweet sweet angel.  Andrew Junior Nelson, also known as "Shorty", is my dad's father...my PawPaw.  He was 88 years old.

I have posted on here before when he wasn't doing well  and was hospitalized for quite a few weeks.  He got back on the mend and was back in the nursing home with my Uncle Kenny who has Downs Syndrome.  They shared a room together. Last night, they transported him back to the hospital because he was having trouble breathing and his heartrate was elevated...they didn't think it was serious enough to warrant any concern but the nursing home wanted the hospital to treat him because of his heart condition.  This morning he went into full cardiac arrest and they weren't able to revive him.

My heart is heavy.  I was very close to him as a child but as years have gone by I haven't seen him as much.  I could have driven the two hours to see him from time to time or even rode with my parents when they went...but i never did.  I never even took my kids to visit him at the nursing home...you just always think "He'll be here...I have plenty of time"....until that time is up and ceases to be ever again.  I feel extremely guilty about this...I should have been a better grand-daughter.  There are no excuses.

The pain and grief is great, but I know the Lord is GOOD.  I know that he has eternally healed my grandfather and that he is no longer suffering.  I know it is selfish to wish he was still here and I wouldn't dare wish him back in the pain his was in.  He was TIRED.  Tired of hurting, tired of fighting..I am so glad he is no longer suffering.  I wish I could have been there to see the smile on his face when he saw his wife Mary and his son Paul there to greet him in Heaven.

What a day of rejoicing it must have been in heaven!!! I have tons of wonderful memories of that great man!  He was a blessing to have as a grandfather!!!

Little History behind him:

Born in Wetumpka, AL in 1921
WWII Vet
Farmer
Wife died in the 70's leaving him to raise 5 children, one of whom was a Downs Syndrome child
Alabama Football Fan
ALWAYS wore overalls for ANY and EVERY occassion
LOVED his children and grandchildren more than anything

Please also keep my Uncle Kenny in your prayers.  He is in his 50's, suffers from severe Downs Syndrome and has never been apart from PawPaw in his entire life...this will be a very hard time for him.

Thank you all for reading this particular blog...continue to pray for our family and be sure and LOVE and HUG yours with everything you have in you!

Visitation will be at Gassett Funeral Home in Wetumpka, AL on Tuesday.  Graveside service immediately following.

MJY