I have such happy tears in my eyes after reading this. Bravo, Jordan! Your Grandpa David could easily be my Grandpa Ernie. Your “Wrong Grandma” dinner could easily have been my grandparents. (Seriously, it’s uncanny!) Growing up, I idolized my Grandpa Ernie. If I needed help or advice, he was always there. Because of him, I’ve now been working with “our greatest generation” for over 20 years. It’s truly a calling and I love every bittersweet moment of it. My Grandpa’s Alzheimer’s broke my heart but I made sure he never knew, regardless of who I was in his eyes that day. I will always remember him as the strong, WWII vet who practically raised me. He would want to be remembered that way. I could go on and on about how much joy I’ve given to and received from this great man and from working with other “adopted grandparents” who also had Alzheimer’s. Their smiles, their stories and all that I’ve learned from each and every one greatly surpasses any paycheck. I only hope he was as proud of me as I still am of him. 💛
