Peaks and Valleys

Peaks... went up to Vermont this past weekend for a weekend away with D. Had a great time, other than the drive back in the rain.

Valleys... my grandfather (my mom's dad) was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia-like symptoms. While there, they diagnosed a heart condition - serious, but not their primary focus because of the breathing problems. While under observation last night, he coded. The doc said that they were using CPR and paddles for about 10 minutes, and while CPR does keep some blood flowing, it's certainly no match for an actual heartbeat (especially in a guy as big as my grandfather, a man for whom the description "barrel-chested" seemed to be invented)... his eyes are open but there definitely doesn't appear to be anybody home. He hasn't had any sort of sedative, according to the doctor, so he said, "he should be able to hear you." Except it's clear he doesn't. His eyes don't move, he doesn't react to any sort of visual or audible stimuli, etc.

Gonna be a long week, I suspect, while my grandmother, my mom, and my uncle, sort out what to do next....

UPDATE: It's over. Peacefully, quietly, and with very little pain near as anyone can tell. Thanks to everyone who passed along their well-wishes.