From the desk of Ren LaForme

http://www.ubspectrum.com/article/40642

This column speaks for itself. I have nothing else to say about it.

EDIT: I received a nice e-mail response to my column. I’m posting it with names removed.

Hi Ren!  My name is [edit].  I just wanted to thank you for the article you wrote in Spectrum for today’s issue.  My grandma (who is pretty much my best friend, second mother, my hero, you name it) has been in the hospital for the past 3 days and we have no idea what is wrong with her.  After an entire month of having nothing go my way, this just sent me over the edge.  It’s nice to know that I am not the only person going through this exact circumstance.  I tried not to cry while reading it, but your last line, “I just want to spend some more time with my grandpa before it’s too late,” made me lose it.  That is EXACTLY how I feel about my grandma.  Thank you so much for writing this emotional article Ren.  It really helps to know I’m not alone..

EDIT: Posting another response.

I just read your column. I don’t remember reading it before, but if I did, it must not have made an impact.
As a Christian woman, I would tell you that God allows all things to work together for good; including both arrogance and unfortunate humility. As a mom, I so appreciate the impact my parents and in-laws had on my children, now 25, 23, 21 and 20. My mom and father-in-law still do. As a granddaughter, I reminisce often about my grandparents and remember their philosophies, quirks, funny sayings, and old-school discipline. They are a part of me. As adult staff member of UB, I’m feeling kind of proud of you for breaking open your heart and spilling your guts. I had a few tears in my eyes. Go ahead and submit the column for an award—maybe it is the most real thing you’ve ever written—but, before that, find a way to be with your grandpa.