I had planned on writing about so much here over Thanksgiving but want first to pay tribute to my grandfather, James Jennings, who passed away Wednesday, November 24th at 3:30pm.
Ironically, his death came four months to the day of Uncle Roger and Mike's visit and discovery of the horrid living situation he and Etta had fallen victims to.
It's been a long 4 months, the hardest of my life for sure. Yet, I wouldn't trade a moment of it for anything. James died with compassion, dignity, love, and a constant smile on his face. On this Thanksgiving, I am so very grateful for that!
Etta was with him at the time of his passing. It was unexpected and yet a peaceful death. I will write more later about yesterday but wanted to post the main details right away.
Etta is of course devastated. While I was with her, she waffled between tears of grief and shouts of disbelief. At times she would look over to James and plea, "Wake up, James. Wake up!" Though his spirit had already left his body, Etta was comforted by the presence of his body in the room. And so we kept it that way as long as possible.
I will be making all of the arrangements tomorrow and will post those details here. James will be cremated after an autopsy. A graveside service will take place in Appomattox- likely Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Obituaries will be in the Charlottesville, Appomattox, and Richmond papers. Once those are printed, I will post them here as well. We live a little over an hour from the cemetery. Those traveling are welcome to stay with us!
More to come...
Ironically, his death came four months to the day of Uncle Roger and Mike's visit and discovery of the horrid living situation he and Etta had fallen victims to.
It's been a long 4 months, the hardest of my life for sure. Yet, I wouldn't trade a moment of it for anything. James died with compassion, dignity, love, and a constant smile on his face. On this Thanksgiving, I am so very grateful for that!
Etta was with him at the time of his passing. It was unexpected and yet a peaceful death. I will write more later about yesterday but wanted to post the main details right away.
Etta is of course devastated. While I was with her, she waffled between tears of grief and shouts of disbelief. At times she would look over to James and plea, "Wake up, James. Wake up!" Though his spirit had already left his body, Etta was comforted by the presence of his body in the room. And so we kept it that way as long as possible.
I will be making all of the arrangements tomorrow and will post those details here. James will be cremated after an autopsy. A graveside service will take place in Appomattox- likely Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Obituaries will be in the Charlottesville, Appomattox, and Richmond papers. Once those are printed, I will post them here as well. We live a little over an hour from the cemetery. Those traveling are welcome to stay with us!
More to come...