My beloved paternal grandfather passed away in his sleep the early hours on September 29th. I found out yesterday at 8:15AM and am still trying to process the fact that he is gone.
He was the most wonderful and loving and fun grandfather ever. I think there was nothing he enjoyed more than his 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. This photo is of him and Mackenzie last year.
His obituary said he was a Master Electrician but he was so much more so I wanted to write down, mostly for myself, the rest of his profession. So please forgive the personal recollections.
My grandfather could fix anything--cars, houses, engines, you name it, including mashed potatoes and breakfast. He loved chocolate ice cream and telling funny stories and jokes. He didn't like pineapple so our family always tried to sneak pineapple in stuff just for fun and to have the grandkids sing-song say "you ate pineapple!" He taught me about the great outdoors, how to fish, how to read animal tracks in the dirt, how to shoot arrows and ride motorcycles. From him, I learned about gardening and composting and the joy of eating carrots straight out of the ground. He loved carpentry and woodworking and made furniture, cradles, dollhouses for all the granddaughters, wooden trains and tractors for the grandsons, dulcimers and beautiful stringed instruments, shelves for tea cups and knick-knacks, and picture frames. I spent most of my childhood Sundays and summer days at my grandparents with my cousins--running and playing outside all day and having root beer floats while watching TV in evening. I am the oldest grandchild and my whole life he always asked me if I would take care of him in his old age and I always assured him that I would. I think I was still waiting for him to get old because in my eyes he was always so full of life and there was so much more I wanted to ask him and talk to him about. Eighty-two years was not long enough and I was so looking forward to seeing him next month.
24 comments:
So sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was the perfect grandpa!
Oh, Gretchen, I am so so sorry! What a loving tribute you wrote.
What a wonderful tribute. Hugs to you and prayers for your family.
Gretch I'm so sorry for your loss. I know he must have been special because I know you. He helped make you the special person that you are.
Much Love and prayers for you and your family,
Pat
Gretchen, I so know what you are feeling. I, too am the oldest grandchild on my mother's side. There were 10 of us cousins that always spent summers at our grandparents. I knew them the longest and had their first great-grandchild for them. Our favorite was grandpa's french vanilla ice cream and peanuts in the coke bottle. It's been 15 years since Sweet Granny died. Now I have only great memories of both of them. The pain will pass and the memories will remain. Trust me.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Sweet Gretchen, I am truly sorry for your loss. You tribute was wonderful and truly told us more about who he was. You and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs...
That was a great write up. I am sorry for your loss, I lost my Grandpa two years ago, and it is strange to wrap your brain around. It didn't sink in for me for a whole year! I am sure wherever he is now, he is still looking after you and helping guide you through the new things in your life. Big hug from me,
Carolyn
Oh Gretchen, bless your heart. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending good thoughts to you.
I am so sorry for your loss, Gretchen. I felt the same way about my grandfather, who was 90 when he died in 2004. Not a day goes by that I don't think of something I'd like to ask him or tell him about...maybe they'll be friends in Heaven! Big hugs coming your way, and prayers for you and your family.
Oh, Gretchen, this is too much. You have been through an awful lot this year and now this painful blow. Big hugs, my friend.
What a lovely photo you share here and an truly heartfelt tribute. I wish I could hug you, Gretchen. I'm so very sad for your loss. This just cuts so deep. All this pain is really wearing. Be good to yourself my friend. All my love, *karendianne.
you wrote a beautiful eulogy. You were blessed to have a grandpa well into your adult life and to really know him. Luv to you, my special friend and safe journey
I'm so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful grandpa!
Dear, dear Gretchen. I lost my only grandfather last year, so I know a little of what you are going through also being the oldest grandchild. I have a teddy bear grandpa made sitting right here by my computer screen. They will always be part of our lives. Karmen
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Grandma when I was 11 but remember her smile, joy, and her love. Even now I miss her but I still feel comforted by her love. I'm sure it will be that way for you, too.
He sounds like an amazing man. What a blessing it is to have had him in your life. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to read of your loss. Your lovely tribute to your grandfather makes it clear that he was a very special man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
He must have been a wonderful man, very sorry for your loss. If I can do anything please let me know.
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your dear grandpa. You certainly deserve brighter days after all you have been through this year. Hugs, K
Blessings to you and your family in the loss of your grandfather, but a wonderful way to go, he just fail asleep.
This was a beautiful and loving tribute. You choose not to dwell on the loss, but instead to dwell on the JOY.
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