Jesse H. Ross 1922-2010

Well, this is a hard post to write. My grandfather passed away early this morning. I only met him once, three years ago on Father's Day, and it was one of the most significant times of my life.

I had traveled to Georgia with my mom and dad, my sister Andie and my oldest daughter Devon to meet him. My mom's cousin had been doing some geneology research and discovered that my mom's dad, whom she had always been told had died long ago, was actually alive and lived in Georgia. After a few weeks of sitting on this information and not knowing what to do with it, my mom nervously picked up the phone and called what turned out to be one of her five half-sisters.

Months of phone conversations followed, and other members of the family were slowly let in on the news that Jesse Ross had another daughter. One of the very last to know was his wife, because no one knew just how to tell her, or exactly what to say.

Finally, one day, they told her. I think she was upset at first, but she is a very strong and wonderful lady and before long she began to insist that my mother come to Georgia so that everyone could figure things out.

So we all went a few weeks later. It was Fathers Day 2007 when we pulled up to the most adorable log cabin I had ever seen. There was a yellow ribbon tied to the tree, to let us know that we were home. We met my grandfather, who we now know as Pop, and his wife Thelma, who became Granny to my sister and me, Mama Thel to my mom. We also met the sisters- Francine, Nancy, Kathy, Sherry and Donna - and dozens of other family members. They had a huge barbecue with more food than I've ever seen, we exchanged gifts (Texas aprons for them, necklaces for us) and felt more welcomed than I can possibly explain. It really was like going home.

I took pictures of the entire weekend, and now these pictues are the only ones I have of my grandfather. He was an extraordinary man, truly loved by everyone. His daughters worshipped him, and I am completly heartbroken that my mom didn't have the opportunity to be raised by him. She had only three years of knowing him during a handful of visits, but even that was something truly special.

My mom has been there for the past couple of weeks, called to Georgia by her sisters and Granny Thel because Pop was in the final days of his life. I'm happy that she had the chance to say goodbye, and I wish I could be there with them as they lay this great man to rest.

The slideshow below begins with my mom and dad pulling into the cabin driveway for the first time, three years ago: