Kim’s cel phone rang at about 5:45 a.m. Wednesday, waking us both up. I could faintly hear the slight Southern twang of her mother’s voice, and then Kim’s eyes opened in shock. Patty was calling to let us know that Bob had passed away unexpectedly during the night.
Bob had been frail, but not ill. He was scheduled to visit his cardiologist that day to check his pacemaker, but as far as we knew, he wasn’t having any specific troubles. He died in his sleep, which seems like a peaceful way to go.
We didn’t tell Ellie when she woke up about an hour later; we didn’t really know yet what to say. So we went through our morning ritual, getting Ellie dressed and fed and off to daycare. The rest of the day was a fog of figuring out when a memorial service might happen, whether Kim should fly down to Glendale to help Patty and Kim’s brother Robert, and simply letting the news and sadness sink in.
In the evening, we sat down with Ellie and told her the news. She didn’t cry, but she seemed to understand. “Grandpa Bob died?” she asked. Yes. He’s not coming back. “Grandma Patty and Uncle Robert, too?” No, they’re fine, but very sad. She agreed it was sad. And then asked if we could continue playing.
Kim flew to Glendale early this morning, so I’m doing single-parent duty in Seattle until she returns. Our local family, neighbors, and friends have been wonderful in offering their help (thank you!).
Rest in peace, Grandpa Bob.
