During Pop-pop’s last few weeks, it was a struggle for him to smile–let alone speak.  July 28th, a week before Pop-pop passed away, was my mom’s birthday. Uncle Calvin was sitting in the dining room which they had made into Pop-pop’s bedroom. He said, “Dad, do you remember what you were doing 54 years ago today?”

When there was a break in the conversation, Pop-pop smiled and whispered, “Renee.”