While the rest of us were in Pittsburgh at the beginning of July, River spent a week being spoiled at Grandma and Grandpa Bartel's house...
When River was a baby, Grandpa Doug was having a lot of "indigestion" and other heartburn-ish issues. After working for quite awhile to determine the real issue behind his continued discomfort, doctors checked his heart. The next day, he underwent triple bypass surgery. The surgeon said that one of the arteries that was bypassed was the "widow-maker".
He is such a special man. Interested in growing his grandchildren. Hopeful about what they will someday become. Eager to give lawn mower rides, include them in his work, and discuss absolutely anything they bring up.
To think that we could've missed out on this time with him.
Thank you, Grandpa Doug, for giving so much of yourself to our son.
He admires you more than you can imagine!
