I (18 m) am currently staying with my grandpa (84 m) and we’re both native American Hispanic, but recently his health is a bit on the worse side so I’ve been helping him out with chores and errands. Between moments he and I would chat or he’d tell me a story about his past experiences since he was not only a Vietnam vet but worked as a police officer before retirement and it always on my mind on how I’m afraid that the time I’m spending here isn’t enough. I want to listen to every story about his past experiences, look though his photos with him but his hearing isn’t good and his memory is decent but he has his moments where you can tell he isn’t there. He isn’t the most sturdy either and is “fragile” It sends a emotional stab through my chest thinking about other than his children and me for now, he’s all by himself and his dogg (perro yes he named him that) And how he used to paint and garden but now seeing him mostly sitting on his recliner watching TV watching as his expression just reads “damn..” just need some help finding out what this deep emotion is
I am afraid
r/Advice
Comments
What you’re feeling is deep love and quiet grief, grieving someone who’s still here but slowly fading. It’s heavy, but it means you care deeply. The time you’re spending with him matters more than you know.
Start taking notes do some videos, cherish these moments and record them a journal photos, and album
Definitely ask about ancestors and write that stuff down you’re not only with your grandfather you’re with history. I have an uncle that fought in the Korean war the history was very rich .
The bridge between the old and the new is a bridge of wealth of education listen closely, and take notes
I’m sure he’s deeply grateful for youe love & assistance. Keep in mind that you’re only human, barely an adult with a lot of work needed to take care of you, and you may not be physically or emotionally equipped to meet all his needs. Also, he has had a lot of time to contemplate the end of his life. Do what you can do, making him feel loved, and just know it’ll mean more to him than you can imagine… Also, He’s been through war, so he’s not afraid of his present conditions… Good luck