My grandpa, who we called Poppy, passed on yesterday. We sat with him all day at the hospital, holding his hands, wondering if he could hear us, and vacillating between sad reality and hopeful fantasy - “he’s gonna wake up!” Every hour or so, through the hospital intercom, a muffled lullaby tune would play. The nurse told us it played on all floors when a baby was born. My grandpa always loved what he had and needed nothing more. He really really loved living. I’m so grateful for that lullaby jingle because it reminded us of new life while saying goodbye to his. It also reminded me to focus on what he loved most - being alive, being with us, and that now he gets to be with my late grandma, Betty, the love of his life and polka partner. To a wonderful man who was steady, brilliant, hilarious, loving, and kind - ❤️