The One Thing I Would Like To Change

       If I could change one event in my life it would be that I was not there when my grandfather, Cirilo Serrano, passed away. My grandpa had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's when I was about eight years old so I did not get to know him that well. As I grew older, his memory and the person he was slowly deteriorated, which is another thing I would change in my life. But right now I am talking about his death.

      Throughout the years after he was diagnosed, he lost three brothers to Alzheimer's as well and his health was a roller coaster as his disease got more widespread. Then when I was thirteen years old his health reached an all time low. The Sunday before he died was the day before I had to leave for my Washington D.C. and Philadelphia trip, and that same day we had gotten a call from the nursing home. When we arrived he was in bad health, and I could not believe that this was happening the day before it was time for me to go. I had hoped that he would make it through or hold on until I got back home, but that is not how it happened.
My grandfather had died that Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 at 3:32 AM. I had found out through a text message from my cousin in the middle of the afternoon, and when I read it I could not control my tears and I broke down. Although it is sad and tragic that I could not be there to say goodbye to my grandpa, I know that everything happens for a reason so I am certain I was not meant to be there during that moment. This is something that I have grown to accept over the past year.

       If I had been there I would have been affected in two ways. One, I would probably be scarred from having to see him take his last breath and go through the pain and agony I am sure he went through, but I would at least be there with my family and have support when it happened. Secondly, I would feel better and not live with the regret of not being able to say my goodbye. Despite all of this, I know that me not being there has made me a stronger person and has opened my eyes to how sudden death can come. I now know that no matter what someone goes through in their life, it will make them stronger and they WILL get through it.

His obituary

Cirilo Serrano 2007, A little after he was first diagnosed.

My grandpa washing one of his classic cars that he loved so much. 1970's

 

My grandpa, Cirilo Serrano, and grandma, Carmen Serrano, on their wedding day with close family. 1973

My grandpa's grave site. R.I.P Grandpa. I love you.