At roughly 9:30pm on Friday, February 27 2004, Drayton Chambers Robb suffered a fatal stroke while sitting at his computer. My Granddaddy passed quietly from this world before the paramedics made it to the house. At 10:04, my mother called me in tears, to tell me the news. As I sobbed into the phone with her, I knew in my mind that it was the relief he deserved.
My Grandaddy was a very sharp, intelligent man. I don’t think he ever grew up though. An eternal child, full of wonder at the beauty in the world. Even at 84 years old, he was young at heart. Ever kind, ever loving, and ever immortal in my heart now. He loved few things the more than his cars. He rebuilt more than 3 antiques, and loved to work with his hands. He loved my Nana, and he loved my step grandmother, Vi, just as much. Granddaddy loved everyone, but those of us close to him were the lucky ones.
His body had deteriorated to the point that he needed a motorized wheelchair to get around, but his mind was still as sharp as it ever was. I’m glad his body gave out before his mind did. I’m glad he was spared that much.
I got the news at 10:04, and by 10:30, I was packing up to head down to Jacksonville to be with my family. It’s an 8 hour drive down, so John was nice enough to drive me because it was 2 hours out of the way for my mom to come get me. By the time John and I arrived, it was time to go to the funeral home. I was scared, honestly. I’d never seen a dead person before, and I was scared to look at him for fear I would remember him as deathly pale and clammy. For what seemed like forever, we waited in the office, while mom took care of expenses and insurance. I don’t know how long it really was, but after that eternity, we were allowed to go see him. I steeled myself before I went in, tears already in my eyes. The first thing I noticed, were the lights. All yellow except for two pink and one green one. The pink ones were pointed at his face, the green one on the green blanket he was covered with. I finally forced myself to look down at my granddaddy’s face, and I was shocked by how he looked. I had to look hard and long at his chest to make sure he wasn’t breathing.. He didn’t look dead at all, just sleepy. I honestly expected him to blink and open his eyes any second. But he didn’t, of course.. It was just a body I was looking at, still and silent and cold under that blanket. Mom was sniffling next to me, and I felt horrible for her, and for Vi. I held my breath for a long time to get control of my tears, then whispered “I love you Granddaddy.” to the body on the table. It was a long time before I could breathe around the lump in my throat.
My Granddaddy was a good man, and he’s still alive in my memories.