I wasn’t sure I should, or wanted to, say anything on this blog about my Grandfather passing away. However, since many of you have been following me online for the last five years (or more), and I have written about Grandpa frequently, my no longer mentioning him may have caused some of you to wonder.
Grandpa passed away last month at the age of 95. No one will ever convince me otherwise, but he took a fall two weeks prior to his passing, and while he didn’t break anything (that anyone knows of), to me that was the beginning of the end.
My grandfather was a good man, and we all miss him. Yes, 95 is a wonderfully long life – one he lived without any regrets. Can you imagine!? Everyone has regrets, but my grandfather always said he had a perfect life – great wife, wonderful family, a job he loved, the best of health – his life was one without regrets, and he always said he wouldn’t have changed a thing.
No one didn’t like Grandpa. His best friend mentioned the same thing to me at his wake… my grandfather had no enemies, and everyone who met him, and those that knew him well, always spoke of him with the highest regard.
My first memory is actually of my grandfather. Back when I was 2 1/2, my sister (who was 1 1/2 at the time) and I crawled into a car in my parent’s driveway, and “one of us” (that would be me), released the brake, and we rolled out into the street inside that car.
I recall my grandfather running out the side door after us (yelling, and none too happy) – he was running to rescue us from harm!
When we were sitting around after dinner one night 20 years or so later, the topic of earliest memories came up. I mentioned that incident as my earliest memory. My father and grandfather could not believe I recalled what had happened. I was really only a baby! Clearly it left a lasting impression. No one had ever mentioned what happpened in the ensuing years, so for me to have relayed that episode as my earliest memory was a bit of a shock to everyone. My father and grandfather of course, remembered the incident well.
Hubby and I are already missing the little things about Grandpa – how we’d go out to lunch with him every Friday, how Hubby would make him soup (and wow did he love Hubby’s soups), how we’d always look for candy deals because my grandfather was a chocoholic. We miss the little routines we all had with him once he gave up golfing and driving, and became a bit more dependent upon friends and family for day to day living. We do have a house full of things he made over the years to remember him by though. My grandfather was a cabinet maker by trade. His (large) newspaper write up said his title was “mechanical engineer” when he worked on the floor at Kittingers.
My grandfather is the last of my four grandparents to pass away. It seems strange to me to not have a grandparent. I have always had a grandparent around to lend help and support (and believe me, by paternal grandparents lent us a lot of help and support). I miss him. I will probably always miss him. I take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with my grandmother, and that the suffering of his last few weeks is over. He taught me a great deal over the years, but mostly he taught me to be a good person; all I have to do to accomplish that, is to emulate him.
Lea Ann says
Ann,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Grandfather. You were so lucky to have him in your life and now you will forever live the memories.
Ann says
Thank you, Lea Ann. I was indeed fortunate.
Ann
Amanda says
Ann, I am so sorry to hear about your Grandfather! He sounds like he was an amazing man.
Ann says
Thanks, Amanda! He really was wonderful.
Ann
Sara says
Beautifully written. So sorry to hear of his passing. You were lucky to have had him for so long!
Ann says
Thank you, Sara.
Ann
Stephanie K says
I remember you mentioning that you had lunch with him on Fridays. I’m so glad he lived a long full life, but I’m sorry for your loss.
Ann says
Thank you, Stephanie.
Ann
Linda Yuengel says
I am so sorry for your loss. I understand not having grandparents…and now I am 52 and live with no living parents either. My husband the same. WE ARE the last generation. But as a Psychic/Medium, I know 100% that our loved ones move on and when they move from this world to the next, they DO watch over us again and help and guide us. They bring a layer of comfort at times and they help us to make good decisions on our own paths. The miracle of knowing him is truly a miracle. God places these blessings in our paths so we can learn from them and take the good they’ve done and emulate that. Just what you are doing! Talk to him in your heart and out loud; he will hear you. In time you will see subtle signs from him and that smell or song on the radio or other symbol will arise and you’ll truly feel him in that moment.
KimH says
I totally agree with 100% of what Linda has said here… 100%!
Linda Yuengel says
KimH – it’s true and thanks for your support. Email me at rdyuengel @juno.com and I’ll gladly do an email reading for you if you belive in Mediums.
Ann says
Thanks Linda, wonderful advice.
Ann
Linda Yuengel says
Ann, email me also and I’d glady do a reading for you if you believe in Mediums. I was born with this gift but didn’t understand it until my 20’s. I truly believe you are blessed by him being in your life and you will continue to share his wisdom and trials as you move through your own life so others can learn just as you have.
Barb says
What a wonderful tribute to your grandfather. Hugs to you.
Ann says
Thank you, Barb.
Ann
MichelleK says
Oh Ann – I am so very sorry for your loss… words alone cannot express…
I have often, when hearing you mention your grandfather, thought how lucky you were and OBVIOUSLY how lucky he was… that you had each other!! <3 GREAT big squooshy hug for you my friend!!!
Ann says
Thank you, Michelle. 🙂
Ann
Shell says
Very sorry for your loss Ann.
Ann says
Thank you, Shell.
Ann
Stephanie B says
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. What you wrote was so beautiful that I could feel the love you had for him.
Ann says
Thank you so much, Stephanie.
Ann
Stephanie says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Ann!
Ann says
Thanks, Stephanie. Much appreciated.
Ann
Patti says
Thank you for sharing Ann. Beautifully written. He will be sorely missed. I am glad you have so many wonderful memories of him.
Ann says
Thank you, Patti.
Ann
Marie says
Sorry for your loss. That was a lovely tribute to him. I lost my father last month and I know how much you miss someone so dearly loved. May your mourning be short and your memories long.
Ann says
I am so sorry for your loss, Marie. (((Hugs)))
Ann
Pauline says
So sorry to hear about your Grandfather’s passing. It’s wonderful that you have such fond memories of him and he will live on thru those. You and your Hubby were lucky to have him in your lives for so long and vice-versa!
Ann says
Thank you, Pauline.
Ann
KimH says
Oh Ann.. I am so so very sorry.. my heart hurts for your hearts hurt.. I know it was an honor for you to have a grandfather such as he in your life.. I still miss my grandfather with an ache some 37 years later.. You indeed have been very blessed & he was blessed as well to have had you in his life.. My deepest condolences to you & your hubby.
PS.. It took me about a year to quit reaching for the phone to call Don’s mom & my sister after they passed.. and a few months after his sister passed.. Be kind to yourself if you do.. its pretty normal.
Ann says
Thank you, Kim. I appreciate your words of wisdom.
Ann
Renae says
Ann,
It is so cool that you were able to spend so much time with your grandfather! I know it doesn’t make it any easier. I lost my grandmother that I was closest to when I was 17. I STILL have moments when I think of her and get teary eyed. But I am so thankful for the memories I have!
Ann says
Thank you, Renae. I am indeed, grateful.
Ann
Jane says
Ann,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember well your comments about your Friday lunches, the soups, etc. I know he had and always will have that special place in your heart, reserved only for him.
Ann says
Thank you, Jane.
Ann