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On the front page of The Sporting News from May 1937, the same month the Hindenburg exploded, there was a tiny box in the lower left corner that stated my grandfather had been picked up by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Although he never played a major league game in his life, he was an excellent player in the minor leagues. The statistics I’ve been able to acquire from baseball research organizations say his career batting average was .333 and that he was a talented power hitter who once hit a home run off legendary pitcher Bob Feller.
In the book The Rangers Reign: a glimpse of semi-pro baseball in the ’50s, one of the authors recalls seeing my grandfather play and described him as Babe Ruthian.
After starting out as a third baseman, he switched to catcher. Once his playing years were over, he became an umpire.
A few weeks ago, he fell, requiring surgery to insert a pin. He was put in a nursing home because they wouldn’t release him home to my aunt until he was able to walk. He would need 6-8 weeks of physical therapy before that was possible.
We visited him last Wednesday. He was tired and had a cough that wouldn’t let him finish his bowl of pears. He offered us his chicken pot pie and talked about the Super Bowl.
Yesterday morning, my aunt went to take him to physical therapy. He didn’t want to go (he never wanted to go). She asked him what he wanted to do – did he just want to lie there and die? And he said, “Yes, I do.”
And 10 minutes later he was gone.
It’s unbearably sad, but I’m so grateful we visited him when we did and I’m so glad he’ll finally be at peace with my grandmother.
Oh, I’m so sorry. Years ago, I visited my grandfather the day before he died as well, but he was already in a coma, so I don’t know if he knew I had been there. It’s good you got that last time with him. It sounds like he led an interesting life.
Comment by JMC — February 14, 2008 @ 10:51 am
Ooh, gave me chills. So sorry your grandfather is gone, for you and your family, but glad he’s with your grandmother. What a great story about his baseball career!
Comment by Stephanie — February 14, 2008 @ 10:51 am
I’m so sorry about your loss. It sounds like he was an amazing man and that he had a simple, peaceful death. I’m glad you were able to see him so recently.
Comment by Jess — February 14, 2008 @ 10:51 am
Oh honey, I’m so sorry to hear this. You and your family will be in my thoughts. He sounds like a pretty amazing guy who clearly lived a great life and had a wonderful granddaughter.
Comment by Flibberty — February 14, 2008 @ 10:52 am
What a great story, and it sounds like he led a rich and interesting life. I’m sorry for your loss, but it also sounds like it ended on his own terms.
Comment by My Buddy Mimi — February 14, 2008 @ 10:54 am
Chester was a wonderful man. I will miss him. I’m sure Dorothy has a big smile on her face, now that she has him at her side.
Comment by Jason — February 14, 2008 @ 10:54 am
Wow. It is incredible this living & dying thing.
I am sorry for your loss.
Comment by Christina — February 14, 2008 @ 11:32 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s uncanny how many people seem to control the moment of their death. Your grandfather sounds like a fabulous man to have known.
Comment by Penny — February 14, 2008 @ 11:33 am
I’m so sorry. This is such a great tribute. Written beautifully, as usual.
Comment by Tessie — February 14, 2008 @ 11:35 am
Shauna Jason and family,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of such a great man. I remember him as a very kind man. I know in Heaven he is with your grandmother and playing or watching baseball. All my love,
Michelle
Comment by Michelle Pierce — February 14, 2008 @ 11:42 am
Oh, dear, I am so sorry. It’s so devastating to deal with such a loss.
I have been reading starting just this week, and you have a lovely blog. I really like your writing style, and hope to see more of it.
Comment by Sara A-G — February 14, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
I am so sorry for your loss, but glad that your grandfather was able to leave as he wanted without suffering. Now he and your grandmother are celebrating Valentine’s Day together.
Comment by Shelly — February 14, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
Shauna- I am so sorry for your loss. Having lost all 4 of my grandparents I know it’s not easy.
I’m glad you got the chance to spend some time with him too. It sounds like he was a pretty amazing man.
Comment by Saly — February 14, 2008 @ 2:23 pm
I’m so sorry. Great story though. Seems like you guys have had a rough time lately. Hope things start looking up!
Comment by Gretchen — February 14, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
Oh, I am so sorry. This is a lovely post, though. A. and I are thinking of you and your family, and will send up a special thought for your grandfather during the first Phillies game we catch this season.
Comment by Artemisia — February 14, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
Shauna,
I’m so sorry – our thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.
On another note, I’m so very glad that you did get to visit him before he passed away. He sounds like he was an incredible man.
Comment by whimsy — February 14, 2008 @ 6:05 pm
Lovely tribute. My grandfather has been saying similar things lately (cancer). It’s tough, knowing they are ready to go, and accepting that.
Comment by slynnro — February 14, 2008 @ 11:41 pm
I am going to call my grandma now.
Comment by Thomas — February 15, 2008 @ 2:58 am
What a wonderful tribute to your grandfather.
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you got to say good-bye.
Comment by LoriD — February 15, 2008 @ 1:11 pm
Oh, please accept my condolences. And know that I’ll be saying a prayer for you and your family.
Comment by jean — February 15, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
I’m very sorry for your loss, Shauna, but glad your grandfather died simply, and when and where he chose.
Comment by Sarah — February 15, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
Shauna and Jason, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful story about his life. I’m glad you spent that time with him, too. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Comment by PixelPi — February 16, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
What a wonderful way for you to honor him. I’m very sorry for your loss, but sounds like your grandmother is very happy to have him with her now.
Comment by stephanie — February 17, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
So sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Such a nice tribute.
Comment by Shelly — February 18, 2008 @ 11:36 am
He sounds like a wonderful man. You guys have been through a lot lately. HUGS.
Comment by Shannon — February 20, 2008 @ 12:52 pm