Grandpa Great

Approximately 2 weeks ago we were all blown away by the news that Grandpa Boyd had just suffered a massive heart attack. He spent some time in the hospital and then was brought home to recover. Just a couple of days after returning home, my grandma took him to the hospital in the early morning hours because of some shortness of breath and pain he was experiencing. He was immediately life-flighted down to Ogden. The doctors said he needed to have surgery to replace one of the valves of his heart but only gave him a 25% chance of surviving; however, if they didn't do anything, he would die. The decision was made to go ahead with the surgery.

I wish everyone could have seen the intensive care unit waiting room that night. The Smart family is an incredible family. There were well over 30 people gathered at short notice, praying for grandpa and loving and supporting grandma. Grandma and grandpa are two of the most amazing people you will ever meet. Even as we sat waiting for news about grandpa, grandma came and sat by me and held my hand and with tears in her eyes said how sorry she was for me and how she can't imagine how hard it must be to go through what I am going through. I just hugged her and cried and told her it was because of people like her and family like this that we can get through the hard times.

The surgery went well and over the following days he has continued to improve. My mom sent a text two days following the surgery that read, "We just visited grandpa. He responded to voices, nodded and gave a little smile. When the nurse chased us out he didn't want Phyllis to go. So tender!"

Now, only four days post surgery, his heart is working completely on its own and he is beginning the long road to recovery. My parents and I drove down to see him this evening and took the kids along with us. My dad was in the room for a few minutes before me and must have mentioned that we had the kids with us because as soon as I entered the room and took his hand to say hello, he asked in his raspy weak voice "Ella...where's Ella?" I had left the kids in the waiting room with my mom but immediately ran out to get her. I held her hand as we walked back to his room and told her that grandpa had asked to see her, that he couldn't talk very well, but he would probably want to hold her hand.

As we entered the room Ella walked right over to the bed. Grandpa said again, "Ella" and raised his hand. Ella grabbed his hand and held it, looked him in the eyes, and gave him one of her sweet smiles. He smiled at her, squeezed her hand, and then shakily brought her hand up and kissed it. Ella giggled and we told her she could blow him a kiss, which she did. I was so touched and so proud of my little girl. She is so sweet and sensitive and I am thankful to be her mom.

I am also thankful to be the granddaughter of these two wonderful people.

Can't you just see how much they love each other.