Oct 1 was the 10th yahrzeit for my father. Elliot was with me, and we lit the candle. I told him Grandpa Marty was his grandfather and he died, but that he would have loved Elliot very, very much. Elliot asked, “Why?” (Why Grandpa Marty died). I told him because Grandpa Marty ate bad food, did not exercise, and was overweight. Of course, that’s why Grandpa Marty died early, at least partially, but I could not explain that. I could not explain his challenging life living together with Michael, too.

But I showed Elliot some photos, including these:

Grandpa Marty with Noodles

Left to right: Baby Morgan, Marty, Mara, Michael, Eric, Little Reid, Ross Silverman

Now every few days or so, when we talk about Grandpa Marty, Elliot mentions Noodles the Cat, too. It’s very cute and sweet.