This is a conversation I had with my grandfather, Amp, my mother's father. I recorded us on a whim after a family gathering to celebrate my return to Iowa after a year-long road trip back in 2021. 4 years later and a lot has changed in my life and in Amp's life. I moved back to Iowa in October 24' to be closer to him and to the rest of my family. I was able to be a caregiver for him several times a week for about 6 months before he moved into a memory-care unit in mid March 25'. He has had some rapid decline in his ability to walk and balance, he has also become regularly confused and forgetful.
He passed away on April 27th, 2025. I was able to be there in the hospital with Nani for about a day as he slowly and without pain passed away.
I had no idea the way things would unfold when we recorded this conversation years ago. He sounds so incredibly full of life and I am absolutely filled with gratitude that I have this recording of his stories and his personality.
I have discovered an interest and calling to work in end-of-life care. This conversation is very meaningful to me because it feels like I captured a part of Amp's essence, his personality, his charm. He is who he is, and I love every bit of him. Thanks for listening and finding some beauty in these stories from my grandfather.
