I had originally planned to post about Thea's most recent obedience class. If you want some lighthearted doggy happiness, go check out the pictures here.
My grandparents and me in 1993, at my high school graduation.
But today has turned out to be a sad one for me. This morning, my grandmother called to let me know that my grandfather had passed in the night. Unlike many people, I have been fortunate enough to know all of my grandparents, and three of them through to my adulthood.
My grandfather was 91 years old and remained relatively active and mentally sharp, throughout his life. He passed in his sleep, in his own home, my grandmother holding him in his last moments. I think we should all be so lucky to live such a full life and be with the person we love in our last moments.
As someone who isn't religious and does not believe in an afterlife, I take a great deal of solace in knowing that his last moments were where he wanted to be with the woman he loved, and that I've told him I loved him, every time we've spoken.
Losing my grandfather means saying goodbye to someone who helped care for me as a newborn when both my parents were seriously ill.
As a child, I would spend a couple of weeks each summer running in his impeccably kept yard or playing in the perfectly maintained little house. His sharp wit and quiet perfectionism stays with me still. Even in his weakest moments he could always find humor in the situation.
As a young adult, I knew that he would help me in any way he could. He would have given me the shirt off his back if I would have let him and he would have smiled, to just know that I was happy. Even though I managed to be independent, it brought me comfort to know he was there.
I miss you grandpa. Thank you for all the years of love.
Oh Marnie, I'm so sorry. I'm very close to my grandparents too - grandpas are very special. I'll be thinking of you and your family... your post is so moving, and I can tell that your grandpa was an amazing man.
Love,
Mary-Heather
I am so sorry about your grandfather. He sounds like a wonderful person and I am glad he passed away in what seems to me the best possible way.
Hugs.
Mum said when someone passed away, they have gone to a better place, with angels and fairies. And that their spirits will always be with us through eternity. Sorry to hear about Grandpa. We should all be celebrating his 91 years of successful life as such a wonderful human being!
I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you had a very close relationship with him and that you loved each other very much. Big hug.
I can't imagine how you feel, and am so sorry for you and your family's loss. My grandparents are still alive but I lost my great-grandmother ten years ago and was very close to her. I still miss her! I can imagine it helps to know he wasn't in pain and with the one he loved.
oh marnie i'm so sorry to hear about your loss. it sounds like he was a great man and got to live even his last moments just the way he'd want. hopefully you can take some comfort in that. get lots of cuddles from panda and thea.
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. Thanks for sharing your memories of him. He sounds like a wonderful person. I just lost my grandmother last week. Every year we had together was a blessing.
Marnie, my sympathies... he sounds like a wonderful man who had a wonderful, full life - how lucky for him, and for you!
I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I'm glad you have wonderful memories to help you through this sad time.
What a thoughtful and moving tribute to a special man in your life. You are lucky indeed to have been blessed with years of his love. Now you have passed a little of that on to us. Thankyou.
I'm getting weepy reading this post. I'm sorry to hear of his passing, but I am so glad to hear about how much you enjoyed one another in life. Other than M, I can't say that I've had a family member who cared for me so much. How lucky to have him, and how lucky to have had him for so long.
I am so sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing.
He sounds like a wonderful man! You are so lucky to have had him in your life! I hope your memories give you comfort.
I'm very sorry for your loss, but I'm glad that you're comforted by so many loving memories. I hope that many more such memories make you and your family smile always.
{hugs}
What a lovely tribute. I am very sorry for your loss.
I'm very sorry about your loss.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I too knew my grandparents through a good part of my adulthood and I too felt incredibly lucky that I did. My grandmother passed away 4 yrs ago this month and I still think about her and smile.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had my father's parents close by all while I was growing up. It's really special to be able to have folks like that who love you.
I'm glad his passing was easy.
I'm sorry Marnie. It sounds like your grandfather was a good man. May you always have a bit of him with you everyday.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Sounds like he was a wonderful man who will continue to inspire and guide you.
I'm so sorry for your sadness. We've just gone through this recently [TheBoy's amazing grandmother] and I know how hard it can be. Hang in there.
I'm so sorry for your loss - I just lost my brother this year and I know it's hard to go through losing family. It's wonderful you were close to him throughout your life. Take care, and hang in there.
My condolences...your post made me realize yet again how much I miss my grandparents. You are so lucky to have had this man in your life. I'm glad you know it. And I'm so glad that when he had to pass, he did so in such a loving way.
Marnie
one of the first people in your life that you told me about was your Grandfather. I'm sorry for your loss and sadness, and like your grandfather and your cool parents you're a rockstar too. hang in there and allow the wisdom he has shared with you to help inspire and guide you. :)
*hugs*
chris
Oh, Marnie, I am so sorry for your loss. I know it's small comfort, but at least he was able to see you grow up to be a strong, confident, beautiful woman. It sounds like he had a long good life full of love. We should all be so lucky. ♥
My condolences, Marnie. What a lovely tribute to a wonderful man.
Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts about your grandfather. With tears in my eyes I'm thinking of my own grandparents and how fond of me they were and me of them. My kids only ever knew one grandmother, and thank goodness, if you're only going to have one, they hit the jackpot.
I'm sending my condolences and a big hug your way. I'm sorry to hear about your Grandfather. When I look at the photo of you with him and your Grandmother, I see that you have his smile! I'd like to think that each time you smile, that part of your Grandpa that you inherited is there to comfort you and remind you of him.
I am so sorry. I don't know what to say, except that I'm thinking of you. I lost someone close to me too recently...it's so hard. :( My thoughts are with you.
I'm so sorry Marnie. It sounds like you were both so fortunate to have each other and that he knew great love in his life, which is what it is all about, in my opinion.
What a wonderful age - 91. That is the most romantic thing I have ever heard - to die in your loved ones arms. I did not know either of my Grandfathers - you are so lucky to have had so much time with such a giving man.
Here are some warm and healing thoughts coming your way....
Oh Marnie, I'm so sorry. He sounds wonderful. And he will always be a part of who you are so you take him with you.
Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm so glad that you have so many wonderful memories of him, though--I lost my last grandparent when I was 18 and the memories of the three I knew at all are sadly dim these days. Your grandfather sounds just wonderful, though, and I can tell that he will be sorely missed. Sending good thoughts....
my heart to you, i am glad you feel that he lived the life he should and passed in a such a loving way. you are such a beautiful legacy to him and wrote so lovingly.
I'm so sorry about your loss! My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family!
I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope that your lovely memories will be a comfort to you through the inevitable sadness.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, thank you for sharing the lovely tribute.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are right though, if we could all be so lucky to go like that.
All of my summers and school holidays were spent with my grandparents too. They gave me amazing, unconditional love and unfailing support.
I'll be thinking of you, your family and especially your grandmother during the next weeks and months.
Marnie - I am so sorry for your loss.
Thanks for sharing some of your memories of your grandpa.
I'm so sorry. Heal well, dear.
Marnie ... your blog about your grandfather's passing was beautifully written. What a nice tribute. Sorry to hear about his death. Hope you are well.
Ken
Oh Marnie, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your grandpa sounds like he was a wonderful man. Thank you for sharing your memories of him with us. My thoughts and condolences are with you and your family. *Big hug* xo-S.
i'm sorry honey. you were very fortunate to know him for so long, though. i lost my maternal grandpa when iwas 16 months old, and my paternal one when i was 12 (but he was very sick the last 7 years of his life).
I'm so sorry to read this post! Your grandpa sounds like a great man. My condolences to you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. The tribute that you posted shows us all that a person survives in out heart and mind as long as we remember to let the memories be shared.
i'm so sorry! i'm glad you'll have such lovely memories of him, though.
~When you were born you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die the world cries and you rejoice. -Cherokee Proverb
It sounds like your grandfather lived a life that causes many people to rejoice that he lived and gave so much to others.
It's sad that he won't be around any more, that is a loss, but oh, so many great wonderful things you gained in knowing him!
I'm so very sorry for your loss and that of your whole family. I know you will all be a special support to your grandmother.
You look so much like him and I'm sure you share many of his wonderful qualities.
Marnie, I'm so sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing. No matter the age, we're never ready to let someone who has been important to us pass on. It sounds like he was a great person to have in your life. I'm sure he'll continue to watch over you.
Hi Marnie,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Be well and know that my thoughts (and the thoughts of many in the blog-world) are with you.
--Janice