Ryan and Baley: Grandpa Harvey

Ryan's sweet Grandpa Harvey has been really struggling with his health this year. I remember this spring/summer when he just wanted so badly to hold on until Danny got home- but we knew there was just no way he would make it until then. Well, he sure surprised all of us as he hung on not just until Danny got home but through another few months afterwards. It was an amazing experience just before he passed. We called Ryan's mom and she happened to be over at Grandpa Harvey's. All of Grandpa's kids were surrounding his bedside in a very reverent atmosphere. We turned the call into a facetime and were able to "say our goodbyes" in a way. We were able to spend a few minutes at his bedside even though we were clear across the country. It was really special, especially for Ryan to be able to see his Grandpa one more time. Apparently there were another couple grandkids who also lived across the country who were facetiming at that moment as well. We, (the grandkids facetiming) were the only ones who hadn't had a chance to say goodbye. When our call ended we got a text-minutes later- telling us that Grandpa had just passed. We feel that Grandpa Harvey was so selfless that he even held on until all the grandkids had their chance to say goodbye. We feel so blessed to have had that experience. Here are Ryan's thoughts soon after his grandpa died:

"My grandpa Gene Harvey just passed away peacefully at home at age 93. He was one of the most charitable and selfless individuals I have ever known, and he blessed the lives of an incredible number of people. I hope I can someday be more like him. Thanks Grandpa. I'll miss you."

We were fortunate enough to be flown across the country to attend Grandpa Harvey's funeral. Thanks to Mom and Dad Van Wagoner. It was wonderful to be able to be with the family and remember Grandpa Harvey. I got a crazy, bad vertigo spell and was so dizzy I could not even move without throwing up or dry heaving. I was devastated that I was not able to go to the funeral. I went to the Dr. and got some medicine/exercises to make it better and was able to be with the family immediately after the funeral and go to the burial and other events of the day. I'm so glad Ryan could be there though. We really are so grateful we had that opportunity to remember his wonderful life and to be with the family and Grandma Harvey.