Seems like its been forever since i had the chance to get back on here after learning that my grandad was terminally ill just over two weeks ago.
Well, my Grandad Billie Bridges finally passed last Wednesday after a long long battle with heart issues for many years. . He was definitely a fighter. He was one of the few people in this world that was blessed with a second chance after he had his first major heart attack in 1987. What was amazing is that he came back from another one in 94, a triple baloon bypass a few years later, another major heart attack about 2003 and brain surgery in 2007. The man actually died 3 times over the last 20 yrs and came back stronger each time.
Basically he was a real cool cat with at least nine lives. A great man who was generous and caring, never selfish, and always looking out for others even when his health would fail him. Many didn't think he'd survive in 1987 and he managed to make a great run for another 21 years. Even though he had a weak heart, his will and faith were enough to keep him ticking all those years and he made it to 74 which is considered a long life for someone with major heart issues.
I wanted to Thank you all for your prayers and support the last few weeks and for tsfanpc for taking my host spot for the GGW race last week.
Also whoever commented and got me a win and to Forensic2 for showing support through the GGW team for me when i was unavailable to let you all know how things were going.. It has been a tough 2 weeks for the family. Granny gave us a scare after realization of him not being next to her anymore set in for her, and so we've moved her to South Texas to be with her son. I dont like being so far from her, because our generation has been closer to her than her son for some years, but the health care available to her there is a LOT better, so its for the best.
So i've been helping with funeral arragments, insurance stuff, moving granny, and tons of other things lately. Sorry i missed any wonderful blogs you posted the last week or 2.
Good to be back, and again, Thank you ALL for the prayers you sent, and your comments concerns during last week's GGW race. I told my mom how much all of you were worried about the family and she thought it was wonderful that a bumch of online mon-keys in cars actually cared that much.. LOL(Now you know who i got my touch of smart-arse from)
Anyways,I'm way behind on work now because of all thats been going on, but I'll try to catch up on the blogs as i can.
Cuda,
Somehow I missed this but want to send my condolences to you and your family. I wish you all the best and may your grandfathers soul rest in peace.
Last edited by gambitxxx on August 27th at 8:29 PM.
Thank you for taking a moment to let us all know what you've been dealing with. My heart goes out to you, and you know I'm always here with an open ear if you need to talk.
I'm sure your granddad would feel proud to hear these words and may he rest in peace. You've obviously inherited his traits of being a strong man to take care of your family the way you have, and to share the emotions of this personal loss with us. I'm sure your grandmother will be fine since she will be getting the necessary health care she needs. STAY POSITIVE. Take care of you and BIG HHHUUUGGSSS!
Cuda- This was an awesome post that Im sure would have made your grandpa proud. He sounded like a very strong man. My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers still go out to you.
Keep your chin up. We miss having you in here. The site just hasnt been the same since you've been away. You know that your amongst family and friends in here. And we all love you. Take care of yourself and your granny.
God Bless Sal
Last edited by frevr3fan on August 27th at 8:39 PM.
Cuda, my most sincere condolences to you and yours on the loss of your beloved grandfather. Be strong for your grandmother and the rest of the family. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
gambit. Thank you kindly ma friend. Grams is now closer to your New Orleans than my home now. I may have to send you to bring her some buttermilk... LOL.
I usually keep the personal life stuff outta the blog, but so many people showed support, i thought this would be the best way to thank them.
Lori. Thank you sweetheart. Always lovew Hugs from you. Wasnt sure if you new what the deal was because i left a post on the group page what was going on and wasnt sure if anyone else at GGW had let you know. Thank for the email you sent. You're always a doll.
sal(3fan). I hope you've been keeping the GGW clan in line. I've missed everyone as well. I'm sure the site has been plenty crazy without me around, college football is startin up and we all know how the reg bloggers in that department get this time of year,LOL.
The grandad that passed(stepgrandad) was a the one that was supposed to go first. He had no chance in beating out my two biological GD's but managed to outlast both of them by 10 plus yrs and my dad as well. One tough cookie!
Even when he went into ####-pice i wouldnt have been surprised a bit if he woke up and wanted a sandwich and came back out of it. Thanks and God Bless you and yours as well.
jon .Thanks for the prayers and for the kind words you all said in the GGW race i missed. I know there are a few others in our wonderful group that are dealing with troubled times, and i send my prayers to them as well.
xbulder. Glad to see you around the NACAR blogs again. I've been lucky enough to be there for all 3 grandads and my dad in their last days. Its definitley made me a stronger person, and these time are always a reminder that Life IS Short, so enjoy it and make the best of it.
Cuda,
My friend I'll not take bringing your grandmother anything as no joke. Rather if you need me I'm there. I'm serious dude anything you need feel free to ask.
I hope your grams is not to darn close to New Orleans with this Hurricane possibly smacking us upside the head. If so God bless her and keep her safe.
Your a good guy Cuda and because of that God will look out for you. I know losing a family member is hard. I loss my Grandfather at 16 and he wasn't just my grandfather but him and my grandmother were my parents sort of speak. I was raised by them and not my true parents who thought drugs were more important.
So remember this my friend. God will not throw more at you in life than you are able to handle. Seems you are a very strong man just like your grandfather. Take care and God bless you and the family.
I lost my grandmother 3 years ago last Saturday, which also happened to be my birthday. I have never really felt the same since. Nana was my conscience and the person I held up as an example when things were tough and we needed guidance on how to handle those times. Miss her greatly. But she was 94 and had lived a very good, healthy life. She outlived her husband by 13 years and stayed strong after he passed.
It will take time to get over but you will always cherish those good moments.
Cody- We all have been thinking of you here. My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of grief. Your grandfather sounds like an amazing person and I can see where your wit comes from! (Granny! you go girl!). We are here if you need anything at all, just ask!
Cody, It was a honore to help a friend and drive your car for a lap in memeory of you granddad while you were at your granddad's bed side. He must have been a Ford driver with the out come we had. My condolences to you and your family and having to make a hard decission on your grandmom to add to the heartack. Like you said its best for her and thats what counts.
This post was a great tribute to your granddads life and would be very proud. I am always here if you need to chatt.
Takecare and God bless...Jamie
Last edited by Forensic2 on August 28th at 8:57 AM.
Texascudaguy
My sincere wishes and at the same time I hope that this trauma will have brought your immediate family closer together. Something like this can be really debilitating for a family. I can only hope that the memories that you have of your grandfather will be pleasant ones. As these are the memories that one can treasure for a lifetime. Once again my deepest and sincere condolences. Chimin' out.
Texascudaguy- You have my sincere sympathy for your loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting either of my Grandads, and my son only had 7 years with my Dad, but I know how important they are to a young man's life and how much they are missed when they are gone.
gambit= 'Preciate the gesture.
If you knew how much she like that nasty butermilk, you'd be worried too. LOL
Moseby- Sorry for your loss as well. I know its a part of life. My grandma on Moms side was that to me. The Rock and the balance of the family. The memories always live strong.
Kristen- Thank you Sweetie. Granny's nickname is grouchy granny to everyone else in the family. I just call her "gorgeous". Love the wit she has. I think she was a big part that he lasted so long.
Jamie- I still don't know how i got a win. Must have been some help from above there. LOL.
justin-Thank you kind sir for the condolences. We are a tough bunch. Been through a lot but adversity always makes ya stronger. Take care.
J-Dub- thanks and good to be back from this end as well.
Beav- I've had several friends that never got to know their Granparents. I know i was very blessed not only to have known both Granparents on mom and dads sides, but also a stepgrandad, and 2 great grannies over the years and to have known all of them well. Those generations were definitely a blessing to this country with all the work they put into it to make this country what it is today.
Thanks for sharing.
Cody, I am sorry too and I was quite uninformed also. Still it doesn't help with the pain and I know about all the arraingments and calling. It can wear you out.
Ahh...Yes... Blessed are you with the memorie of your grandad. Are prayers are with you Cuda. Thankyou for letting us help with the loss. Always there to share a shoulder or lend an ear.
Just remember the special times, and when you look up, he will always be looking down to you.
Sorry to hear about what you and your family has been going through.
Rest assured that your grandfather will never be far away. I'll bet if you just take a few quiet moments you'll feel his presence next to you no matter where you are or what you're doing. It is the way that it is and we'll all know that truth at some point.
Marty. Most people didnt know. I mentioned on our group board and then wasnt able to get back online until a few days ago. Usualy i keep personal thing off the blog, but i had so much commetns from people on here wishing for the best, i felt i needed to post this s a THank You to you all for being there.
Pop. Thanks for everything. I envy you because i dont have a son yet to share the memories of life with. You are blessed. Take care.
Dwindy. Thank. That i something i try to already once in a while to keep memories of others that are no longer with us live and well in spirit anyways. When i was little boy, my grandmother and i used to lay on a blanket in their big back yard(now the home i live in) and watch the stars and chat. Always a great place to say hi to those no longer around.
vol- And same to you. Everyone i've met here has become special to me, and i know several of us have had rough year with family and health things going. Its great to know we've all grown in that way and support each other. Truly wonderful friends at GGW and Foxblog.
CUda - Sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. You are fortunate to have been able to share many things with him. Your grandma is blessed to have you looking after her. Take care my friend.
Cuda sorry to hear about your grandfather dying. It sounds like a wonderful man. My heart goes out to you and your family. Your Granny sounds like she certainly loved her husband to the very end. It is always hard on the one left behind.
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