My Grandpa McKinsey

Thanksgiving was special this year because we were celebrating my Grandpa McKinsey's 93rd birthday. He was born on Thanksgiving Day 93 years ago. It was both happy and sad to watch him yesterday. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer over a year ago. The doctor's said he had less tan 6 months to live, and like Grandpa, he's already beat those odds. He was in a lot of pain yesterday and when my brother asked us if we should go, he said, "No, no, I'm having such a good time watching everyone. Please don't leave." And then, quietly, he said, "I don't want this to be the last time I see everyone." Of course, I was holding back the tears and quickly started looking at all his birthday cards, while everyone said, "Oh, Paul, you look great. Don't say that! Yadda, yadda."

My Grandpa and I have always been extremely close. In fact, he was the my only Grandparent I ever knew. My Grandmother on my Dad's side died before I was born. My Grandmother on my Mom's side died when I was 5. My other Grandpa died when I was 8. Grandpa McKinsey is the only one I got close with, shared memories with, and spent time with. When I see my own daughter with her Grandparents, I am so happy because this was something I never had. I never had that special bond with my own Grandmothers, simply because they weren't alive when I was growing up. I love that she will grow close to them and have this special connection that only grandparents and grandkids can know. Grandpa and I went to Rhode Island for a couple of summers when I was a kid to visit relatives. I slept over at his house many times and we'd watch the Lawrence Welk Show together. He took me to the YMCA to swim. Now I swim with him once in a while, at Woodcrest Villa, where he lives. He came on vacations with our family, and stayed with me a couple of times when my parents went on trips. We loved being together.

He is still sharp as a whip! He can tell us every story from his life. His childhood, WWII days, and about my Mom when she was young. I could sit for hours and listen to him. He's smart and has worked hard to be where he's at now. He borrowed money from a lady on his paper route to attend Franklin & Marshall, got a law degree from Dickinson, and opened up his own business after the war. He has made so many friends along the way and has a beautiful family to show for it.

He absolutely adores McKinsey. He holds her and talks to her every chance he gets. I'll never forget him sitting in the hospital after she was born, holding her, and saying "From McKinsey to McKinsey." Tears are in my eyes just remembering that memory! I know she made his night watching her play on the floor, her completely oblivious to everthing else going on. I can't wait for us to share many more memories together. Keep fighting Grandpa!