The perfect imperfect situation

This past weekend my family said their last goodbyes to my Papa. Although this was a very difficult time for all of us, it is important to find the beauties in the situation. When reminiscing on his final days, I noticed that despite the circumstances, the situation was quite perfect. It was Thanksgiving day, and nearly all of the 8 grandkids and other family members were in town for the holidays. Normally, there are only a few of us in Illinois at one time, and it isn't often we can all get together considering our busy and hectic lives. However, this holiday season, we were all there together; and while my Papa was struggling in the hospital, we were all there by his side and shared a beautiful moment together. As my Papa was finally accepting defeat, he had one request. He wanted to go home to his cozy condo in Barrington and spend his last moments in the home he loved with the people he loved. We all had a very hard time watching him lay there, knowing what was about to come. Me and my brother especially had a hard time, since it was the first grandparent we were about to lose. Having all of our family there, sharing stories and remembering the good times we have had was what kept us all together. It's what kept us at peace. Yes, there were tears. Yes, there were countless prayers. Yes, there was grief. But having the family all there together was what Papa wanted, and it was the perfect situation. Thanksgiving wasn't what we all expected, but it was a special moment that I will never forget. Papa lived a great life, attending the first super bowl, serving the country in the United States Coast Guard, surviving cancer, and watching his favorite team in the world win the world series, the Chicago Cubs. So for that we say farewell and we will meet again.. Love you Papa.