He is actually my step-grandfather. He has started drinking a lot in the past 5 years according to my mom. She tells me about crazy stuff he does. He is 92 years old and just had his birthday. I am not as close to him as my cousin is. So my cousin lives 9 hrs away from us. She called my grandfather on his birthday a few days ago. He was carrying on with her about how much he misses her and her daughter...and also asked her if she was mad at him about a past event. She said no and became worried about how he sounded. She told me he didn't sound good. my cousin and her family sang happy birthday to him. She felt very compelled to come see him at the last minute so she got on a plane the next day at 4am to come see him. She only stayed for a day. I had to work the whole weekend, so I couldn't see everyone anyway. 

So, here's the punch line. After she went home, I called my mom and asked her about the conversation between my cousin and grandfather. My mom spent time with them when she was here. my guess was right...he was drunk the whole time he was talking to my cousin. When she saw him and talked to him about their conversation he told her he didn't remember a thing!! She was surprised. My mom and aunt told her he was drunk and she just kinda laughed it off. She claims she was still glad she came to see him. I guess when you don't live with an A you don't realize it when you are talking to a drunk person. 

Just had to share...kinda sad but funny too. I told my mom I don't feel close to him because of the things she has told me...and she said maybe she shouldn't have told me about things he has done. I don't know...maybe it's ok to not be in denial about an alcoholic' behavior. my moms real dad was an A. I just choose not to deal with A's anymore. I don't care how old they are. Maybe next time my cousin will think twice about jumping on a plane when a person "doesn't sound good." :)