One year ago tonight I held Great Grampa's hand as he drew his last breath. It was desperately sad and yet beautiful at the same time. Great Grampa was 92 years old. He had lost his wife and many friends and he was ready to go. It didn't make it any easier to say goodbye, but I must admit I have taken comfort in believing he is in a happier place. I feel grateful that both Kieran and Quinn had an opportunity to get to know their Great Grandfather. They loved him, no doubt, and he loved them. Always a calm and quiet presence around them I was continually amazed at how they gravitated to him. As he sat in a chair, they would naturally inch closer toward him, hold his hand, snuggle in, it was really lovely to watch. I know that Gramp's memory will continue to live on. We talk about him frequently in our house. He lives on through the art on our walls, the piano music we listen to, the photos we have scrolling on our computers and Apple TV, the stuffies he gave the boys, the stories we tell, and his blood stone ring which I wear on a necklace often. He was the first person I thought of when I woke this morning and no doubt the last as I drift off to sleep tonight. I wore his ring around my neck all day today as a way of keeping a small part of him close to my heart. The boys ask about him often and Kieran told me at bedtime tonight that he will continue to ask and share stories even when he is a dad so his kids know their Great, Great Grandfather, now that's thinking ahead!!! How lucky we are to have loved someone so much that saying goodbye can be so hard.
I love you Gramp!
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| QB, Gramp and Kieran at the cottage |
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| Painted and gifted to me for my 25th birthday |
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| Gramp and Me |
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| Holding hands and saying farewell... |
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| His Happy Place... |
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| Sending hugs to grampa when he was in the hospital |
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| Jal, Gramp and me Christmas 2012 |
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| Gramp in the '60's Mad Men styles |
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| Santa arriving - Christmas 2012 |
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| Gramp's bloodstone ring which I cherish and wear often. xoxo |
