My grandpa loved to play his guitar, and played with some other guys in a band when he was younger. In fact, my second favorite memory of my grandpa is of my brother and I begging and begging him to pleeeaaase play his guitar. He got it out and strummed a few chords for us, of course. I vaguely remember going to see him play with his buddies and I remember thinking that I had never seen him happier.
Grandpa Charlie could be a tough old bird to others... but to me he was always sweet as pie. I remember he and Grandma coming to visit us and basically parking my butt on his lap for the weekend. He had the best lap. Whenever it came time for them to leave, my begging would commence for them to pretty please stay just one more day. Sometimes they went on ahead, but other times my begging paid off.
My favorite memory is of Grandpa taking my brother and I fishing. He liked to fish, and mostly what I remember is a beautiful day and a whole lotta minnows and bluegills. But I remember thinking how great he was, because in my mind that was the type of thing grandpas were supposed to do - take their grandkids fishing.
Of course I have tons of other memories... the State Fair, his limited talks about his time in World War II -
England, Germany, Japan, Normandy - Christmases spent at their house or ours (they always spoiled us with a boatload of gifts!), spending a week or two at their house during the summer and exploring their huge property... the list could go on, but I think you get the picture.
I am so sad that I couldn't be there to pay my final respects to my grandfather. I know he would understand, but it's hard to be 8,000 miles away and unable to do anything other than pick up a phone and call. If I didn't have a 2-week old without a Passport you can bet your butt I would have been on a plane. But I know that him dying isn't about me, so I try not to dwell on that and instead do what I can to support my family, my dad, and my grandmother - his amazing wife and caretaker of nearly 69 years.
Rest in Peace, Grandpa. You were loved.
I have no eloquent words to post, no words to share, really. I am still just processing the fact that I won't be there at the funeral, but instead I will be sitting on some random island 8,000 miles away
6 comments:
I am sorry to hear about your Grandpa. Just remember to hold that sweet Olivia and tell her how amazing he is.
i'm sorry to hear about your grandpa. he sounds like he was a wonderful person. i often still miss mine too.
remember Megan your their in your heart and thats all that matters my friend! >:O)
I'm so sorry for your loss Megan. Just know that your Grandpa knows how much you love him and that's all that truly matters. By the sounds of it, he was a great man who would understand why you couldn't come home, and your family does too. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Megan,
As I read this entry, I heard your voice and I heard your eulogy -- what you would have said to your family if you could have been there. You recounted a couple of your favorite memories and you posted a great picture and memory. I am so sorry you couldn't travel to the funeral. I know you and Tommy took some time to remember and honor Grandpa.
There is nothing easy about being 8,000 miles away.
Hang in there.
Megan-
I'm so sorry this happened at an otherwise joyous time in your life. I know how much your grandpa meant to you. I remember your trips to see him and how you worried about his health and how much you did to help them as much as you could when you were living here. That was the full circle - they took care of you when you were young and you repaid it when you were older. I know that they both know how much you love and respect them. I'm sorry you couldn't make the trip back to say your goodbyes also. Let it help your heart heal to know that he is now at peace and healthy again. Take care.
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