A Memoir: My Grandpa

FEATURED by @nonfiction
For my nonfiction assignment in 2014, I was asked to write a creative nonfiction piece. I chose to write a memoir.

My Grandpa was diagnosed with dementia in 2013. Between the diagnosis and when I moved to university I was his (and my grandma's) full time carer (and part time after my move).
At first the dementia was slowed, but it soon became worse.

Because of this, and the amazing stories he used to tell us, I wanted to do a memoir piece for, and of, him. I spoke to him a lot, remembered old things with him and looked at photos with him and my Grandma for this piece.

I did end up submitting this, and my grade was a 1st (top marks basically lol). After I finished it, I gave it to my Grandma and Grandpa. My Grandma kept it and loved it. I think Grandpa loved it, though at that time, he didn't really take in things that he read, because of the dementia.

My Grandpa died Christmas Eve 2017. I now consider this a homage to him.