While we were in Phuket we found out that my Grandpa had to go into the hospital and the prognosis was very poor. Oli and I made the decision to go home to Michigan to be with grandpa and the rest of our family. We left from Phuket early Tuesday morning and arrived in Detroit Tuesday evening.
We were lucky enough to see my grandpa while he was still awake and able to talk to us. He was, as always, in good spirits and happy to have his family all around him.
Getting loved by all his girls at MaryBeth and Kevin's wedding in 2009.
We were lucky enough to see my grandpa while he was still awake and able to talk to us. He was, as always, in good spirits and happy to have his family all around him.
Grandpa came home with hospice on Wednesday and we spent the next few days with him, sharing memories and stories about his amazing life. He passed away last night, peacefully and surrounded by those who love him, holding my grandma's hand as he's done for 57 years.
It's hard to put into words the kind of man my grandpa was. James Scruggs affected everyone who met him. He was ALWAYS smiling, laughing, humming, and dancing, just an all around positive person. He loved all of us unconditionally and it would melt your heart to see the way he still looked at my grandma, after all their years together. They will remain my role models and I hope to spend my life giving the sort of love he didn't think twice about giving.
I know I'm very lucky to have so many memories of my grandpa, and a lucky girl to have danced with him on so many occasions. Here we are making all the girls jealous at Mel and Dan's wedding in 2008.
My grandparents on their wedding day in 1954.
My grandparents loved to travel. Throughout our trip, my grandpa's been tracking all the places we've been on a HUGE world map. We plan to continue our travels and will be flying to Honk Kong after Christmas...I know he would be happy to hear that.
Cheers to you Gramps, I can't thank you enough for all you'd taught me. We'll love you always.
