When I first looked at this question, I honestly wasn’t sure what Christmas I would choose. However, it wasn’t too long before I was reminded of truly one of my most memorable Christmases ever…my grandfather’s last Christmas on this earth.

I was married in 1992, and my grandfather, Wallace (Wally) Bales, and his wife (Edith)–my mother’s parents–were involved in my wedding. That was in 1994. My grandpa was in the fight of his life for several years, and he had beaten colon cancer through chemotherapy and surgery. But unfortunately, the cancer returned. And there was no doubt that his health was declining.

My Grandpa

I always came home for Christmas (at least almost always), and this year was no exception. A massive appeal was made to all the kids, grandkids, etc., to come to Long Beach, Washington, because we all knew this might be Grandpa’s last Christmas. The outlook was bleak, and somehow, we just knew (though we didn’t want to admit it at the time).

Poor Grandpa was tired, but he rallied when he saw his kids and grandkids and other family members from all over who made the pilgrimage back for the holidays. It was such a special Christmas, and we made the most of every moment we had.

I don’t honestly recall what happened during this time except that the house was full of people, food, and laughter. I don’t even remember who was there. But Grandpa held such a special place in my heart because he was such a strong influence on me during my parents’ divorce. He taught me to read for all intents and purposes (I sat on his lap and read the newspaper to him), and he always warned me about red-headed boys. (I married one. I’m glad that he never saw the end of my marriage, for it would have wounded him.)

Within months after that Christmas, my grandpa passed away, and I couldn’t attend the funeral because I was in college, and we didn’t have the money. But I am so grateful I got to see him that Christmas. It will always be a special memory for me.