And as old as I can feel from time to time, that means people around me are getting even older.

My grandfather is dying.

Twenty five years ago he had a triple by-pass and was given another ten years to live. He’s a stubborn old Polish man, so he milked the extra fifteen out of it. He’s been in and out of the hospital since then for “tune ups,” but this last time he just got sick of it. They told him they’d have to operate, and at the ripe age of 87 he said “no thanks.” He signed the appropriate paperwork, had one of his daughters (my aunt) pick him up, and he went home to die.

SO… I am flying to New York Friday morning. My sister is meeting me there, and my mom and nephew will already be there. The whole fam is converging on the Tri-State area to see the old man off. (I have a cousin in Afganastan… and he’s on a plane as I type this.)

As sad as this should be, it really isn’t. You have to know my grandfather to understand… he’s the sort of guy you never expect to die. He’s too gruff, tough, and stubborn to ever truly succumb to the passage of time. If’s he’s going to pass on, it’s by his choosing, not by nature or “fate.” He is a true man in control of his destiny. If he’s ready to die, then the rest of us are ready to accept his decision.

I learned really young that you just don’t argue with that man. :)

…so expect some silence from me until Tuesday of next week. I have family business to attend to which far exceeds the importance of cartoon clubs and Internet dramas. :)

Snackpants, thanks for having my back and carting my ass to and from the airport this weekend in advance. Much much appreciation.

Wasabigirl, I know it’s a long weekend, I know you really wanted to be there… but this is one I have to do on my own. Thanks for understanding, and I love you.

KarmaTheDog, take care of Shannon while I’m gone. She’ll need more hugs than usual.

Njoryo, you’re the president of the largest fan organization of it’s type in the southeast… don’t drop the ball. Please get with Ken and keep working on Halloween. You know the deadlines. We’ve talk about it. Have faith in your abilities; I do… as does the rest of the staff.

LadySreponia, I’ll see if I can find you a boyfriend in NYC. No promises. Also, try and drag Shannon to go see Pirates again this weekend… maybe you kids should field trip to Orlando?

Cobheran, bug Ryan about the Halloween party ’til I get back… and keep bugging him after I’m back, too. He needs the support of the staff… and you’re a VERY big part of that.

Everyone else… see you in a few days. :)