It was Friday.
I remember the phone ringing early, before 7, and rolling over thinking, "Who in the world is calling so early?"
Mom answered the phone in the hallway. Dad was in the shower. I was half-asleep, half-awake trying to figure out who was on the phone.
Mom sounded serious and worried when she went to get dad. I rolled out of bed to see what was going on.
I don't really remember what was said or how the rest happened. But it was Aunt Anne on the phone calling to say that Grandpa had passed away early that morning.
That day is a mix of blurs and things clear as day. I remember researching flights to NY for the next day, doing laundry, helping get suitcases ready, sending Mom to Nordstrom to buy a suit, etc. I remember Dad getting home from work and suggesting we go get Chipotle for dinner and maybe stop by Borders to get some books/magazines for the flight. I got so upset. I remember crying and saying that no one cared about what was really going on. Why weren't we talking about it? Why is no one packing? Nothing is done to leave tomorrow and we're going to go out!?
Everyone handles grief differently. Clearly I am someone who likes to get things done. Make a checklist and cross things off. Dad wanted us to clear our heads a little, get out of the house, and think about something else for a little bit. Some people need to talk about grief, some people never want to talk about it.
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Three years later, we still miss them, but it's different than it was on that day. Every once in a while I think about how my future husband won't know or understand how wonderful these people were. My children won't know what it's like to be held by their great-grandma or think of their great-grandpa whenever they smell old spice or know the taste of cheese toast made in a toaster oven in Old Tappan.
This September my family will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer's in memory of these sweet people. Please consider walking or donating to support families living with Alzheimer's. |
| Ben Binford September 25, 1923 - August 13, 2010 Elsa Binford August 18, 1924 - September 22, 2010 |
