Today, my 19th birthday, marks the long-awaited opening of nathanielbuck.com.

Though birthdays are normally a day of celebration and joy, this day is mixed with sorrow and pain. Yesterday, my grandfather, Robert Wilton Ingrim, passed away suddenly. He fell from a ladder while painting, possibly suffering from a massive stroke. Unable to catch himself or break his fall in any way, he suffered a host of injuries. After he was rushed to the hospital it was discovered that he suffered from a cracked skull, broken back, broken ribs, punctured lung, broken leg, and damaged liver.

Surgeons quickly got to work attempting to stabilize his blood pressure, but due to multiple serious injuries it was soon obvious that recovery was inconceivable. And so, at 7:19 pm on July 30 2007, surrounded by his family, 78 year old Robert Ingrim passed away.

His death comes as a shock. Even at 78, Robert Ingrim was in tremendous physical and mental condition. He recently spent time in Europe and the Outer Banks, NC. He was known for being an avid walker and hiker and an excellent floater (in water.) He enjoyed crossword puzzles and reading. He was by far the most knowledgeable person that I ever met.

It’s never easy to lose a loved one, and losing one so quickly and unexpectedly is even worse. The pain experienced is not easily alleviated, and hopefully lessens at time goes on. So, this first post of nathanielbuck.com is unfortunately dedicated to the memory of my Opa, Robert Wilton Ingrim.