On October 17, 2015, Alzheimer's physically took you away from us. But this cruel disease stole your mind and memory from you long before last year.

It's hard to believe it's been almost a year now because I remember that day so vividly. We received a random phone call the day before, in which we were informed that you didn't have much time left. I remember feeling my heart break in my chest, and all of us rushing to the nursing home to see you. You were surrounded by all the people who loved you most in this world, but due to the fact that this disease took nearly everything from you, you weren't aware of it. I spent the majority of the day at the nursing home with everyone else. We watched you sleep, sat beside you, talked to you, exchanged stories, etcetera. You'd gotten so skinny, and I could hear your breathing was a chore that was quite difficult for you. It only made my heart hurt even more.

I'd forgotten what day it was, and I left in a rush when I realized I had to work because I hadn't informed my boss of my current family situation. I gave you a hug and kiss bye as you continued sleeping soundly, and I walked to my car teary-eyed as I began the half-hour drive home to quickly change. Many tears were shed during my commute as I reminisced, and I began to feel guilty for not visiting you more often. I managed to calm myself down once I got to work. But I remember it being extremely difficult to focus on gymnastics, and I ended up leaving early that night.

You passed peacefully in your sleep early the next morning.

I was still fairly young when you were officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which unfortunately deprived me of the opportunity to actually get to know you as a person and form a relationship with you. As I was growing up, I watched as this terrible disease caused your memory to decline and took away your physical abilities as well. But what it couldn't take from you was your sense of humor, and your smile that could light up a room. From the countless stories I've heard about you and your character, I'm sure we would've gotten along very well.

You battled Alzheimer's for over a decade, and I couldn't be happier to know that you're now healthy and no longer suffering with this disease here on Earth. Instead, you're at peace living it up in Heaven having the time of your life! I just wish I could've gotten to know you better before the Alzheimer's took you away from us. It's good to know that I have another guardian angel watching over me, and I hope that I'm making you proud.

I hope you're enjoying all the ice cream you could ever wish for :) You are so dearly loved and missed, Grandpa Al!