My grandfather is 95 years old. I wrote about his influence in my life a few months ago in my Another Man series. To this day, he is the sweetest, most sincere person I think I’ve ever been around.

A few days ago, he fell and broke his hip. At his age, surgery is always a perilous option; there is concern about his heart and the possibility of blood clots and pneumonia. But choosing to not have the surgery carries the same risk of blood clots as he’d be forced to be bed-ridden for months while he recovers. Either way, the doctors can’t guarantee that he’ll ever walk again. This situation has been especially taxing on my aunt and uncle as they’ve tried to weigh all the options regarding Grandaddy’s health.

Ultimately, my aunt and uncle opted for the surgery which was set for 9AM this morning. I think it’s a good decision, but we’re all waiting to hear the outcome. If you don’t mind, please keep my grandfather in your prayers. Obviously I’d love to have him around, but at the same time, his quality of life will never be what it was. He’s lived a long, good life. I just pray that whatever time he has left here on earth will be as pain-free as possible. And when the time comes for him to go be with the Lord, we will remember the simple, God-honoring life of William Bybee.

Thanks for your prayers.