Tata

That's what we call our maternal grandfather, Tata.
My mom is the oldest of eight. She's the one that's the closest to him and she's the one that takes him to his doctors appointments. My Tata has always been a very independent man. He's 92 years old and still drives .... that is until just recently. He is quickly looking a lot older ... more worn out, as if his time is getting near each passing day.

Several days ago I received a text from my sister Claudia saying that Tata wasn't looking good. That lately all he does is sit on his couch and stare at the wall ... with a blank look on his face. My mom asked him if he wanted to watch tv but he said no. A few days later he complained about a headache and was taken to the hospital.

picture taken by my sister Claudia

He had an MRI done, they drew blood but everything came back normal. He's also still eating. So they sent him home and suggested he should be seen by his primary care doctor. I haven't called my mom to see what his doctor said. I'll call her this afternoon.

My grandma died a very long time ago. Before I was even born.
It's sad to get to that age, alone. And although he has five living children now he still spends a good amount of time alone. My mom can't be with him 24/7 and my other two aunts live in Los Angeles. Two uncles live across the border and not sure if they have passports. Another uncle lives about fifteen minutes away but my mom is the only one that sees him the most since they live almost next door to each other. My Tata has a lot of grandchildren but I doubt any of us call him on a regular basis and I am guilty of that as well. I have sent him cards and pictures of the kids some time ago but I know it's still not the same as picking up the phone and having a conversation, no matter how brief it may be. I wonder if he still remembers me. I should ask my mom if he still remembers family. I did ask my sister if she visits him and she said she does. That was comforting to hear.

I have a feeling that this may be my Tatas last year here with us. I pray it's not. We hope to visit home this year. I just hope that God doesn't call him home before then.