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.
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Comments (67)
i'm sorry about your grandfather. your post made me cry.
strength to your grandmother.
Posted by maryse | November 9, 2007 5:06 AM
Posted on November 9, 2007 05:06
I'm so sorry to read about your Grandfather. Your tribute is lovely and as you said, we all should be so lucky.
Posted by Paula | November 2, 2007 6:48 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 18:48
so sorry to hear about your grandfather - but what sweet words and obvious love you use to describe him. i'm sure he knew that and felt it strongly from you, and that's priceless.
take care ~
Posted by andrea | October 27, 2007 12:04 AM
Posted on October 27, 2007 00:04
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. You have some wonderful memories of your times with him.
Posted by Delica | October 24, 2007 1:50 PM
Posted on October 24, 2007 13:50
I am so sorry, Marnie. I love that picture of you guys.
Hold the girls and big guy close.
Posted by Wendy | October 24, 2007 9:19 AM
Posted on October 24, 2007 09:19
Arg, that sucks Marnie. Forgive my lateness, I'm catching up on my blogs via google reader. I was crushed when my Grampa died, so my heart goes out to you. 91 though! What a trooper. I'm glad he went so peacefully and in the presence of love. Hugs for you and Grandma.
Posted by Pam | October 24, 2007 9:10 AM
Posted on October 24, 2007 09:10
Sweet grandparents . . . I never really knew my grandfathers, but my grandmothers both died just a few years ago, and I treasured them. I was just with a 10-year-old boy yesterday who said, "Old people are so cool!" Amen, brother! Give those doggy girls a hug and know that the bloggy world sends you a virtual hug.
Posted by sherri | October 23, 2007 5:47 PM
Posted on October 23, 2007 17:47
Aww, this made me cry. I just lost my grandfather too, a month ago. I'm sorry for your loss. All my best wishes to you and your whole family. :)
Posted by maria | October 23, 2007 1:14 PM
Posted on October 23, 2007 13:14
I'm so sorry to hear of your Grampa's passing. Seventeen years later I still miss mine. We should all be so lucky to have lived the life he did, blessed with loving family.
Posted by Jen | October 23, 2007 12:52 PM
Posted on October 23, 2007 12:52
Marnie,
I was sorry to read about your Grandpa. I know how much I miss mine.
Thinking of you!
Therese
Posted by Therese | October 23, 2007 12:31 PM
Posted on October 23, 2007 12:31
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure a part of him will always be with you :-)
Posted by Disentangled | October 23, 2007 10:00 AM
Posted on October 23, 2007 10:00
I just saw this entry today, and wanted to offer my condolences. It does sound like he spent his last moments in the best way possible.
Posted by Marlena | October 23, 2007 7:51 AM
Posted on October 23, 2007 07:51
I'm so sorry to hear of your Grandpa's passing. It sounds like you had such a wonderful relationship with him. You will be in my prayers and I'm sending you a big *hug*.
Posted by Ruinwen | October 23, 2007 6:04 AM
Posted on October 23, 2007 06:04
How brave you've been Marnie. You've shared the essence of your grandpa with us. Thank you - makes the photo speak.
You don't have to be brave all the time little one. That's what Leo is for xxx
Thinking of you, and sending our warm & loving thoughts xxxx
Posted by Karen | October 23, 2007 5:07 AM
Posted on October 23, 2007 05:07
Marnie, I'm so sorry for your loss but glad to know you had such a positive figure in your life. Thinking of you...
Posted by jessica~ | October 22, 2007 5:28 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 17:28
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your grandfather had a good life. I think you are absolutely right about most of us feeling lucky to die the way he did. As another non-religious person, I've always thought that we achieve everlasting life (a Catholic expression) by living on in the hearts & actions of those who love us & who we love - something your grand father clearly achieved.
Posted by Donna | October 22, 2007 12:11 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 12:11
I'm sorry to hear this, Marnie, but glad that he went in such a quiet, loving way.
Posted by Lee Ann | October 22, 2007 11:19 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 11:19
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
Posted by Janice | October 22, 2007 11:06 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 11:06
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.
Posted by Amy in StL | October 22, 2007 10:56 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 10:56
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.
Posted by Laila | October 22, 2007 9:43 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 09:43
~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!
Posted by Sarah | October 22, 2007 9:20 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 09:20
i'm so sorry! i'm glad you'll have such lovely memories of him, though.
Posted by malia | October 22, 2007 8:21 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 08:21
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.
Posted by Lisa | October 22, 2007 7:35 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 07:35
I'm so sorry to read this post! Your grandpa sounds like a great man. My condolences to you and your family.
Posted by seedless grape | October 22, 2007 7:07 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 07:07
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).
Posted by minnie | October 21, 2007 7:42 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 19:42
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.
Posted by Nonnahs | October 21, 2007 5:23 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 17:23
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
Posted by Ken | October 21, 2007 5:10 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 17:10
I'm so sorry. Heal well, dear.
Posted by Sachi | October 21, 2007 4:30 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 16:30
Marnie - I am so sorry for your loss.
Thanks for sharing some of your memories of your grandpa.
Posted by Jody | October 21, 2007 3:48 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 15:48
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.
Posted by Bliss | October 21, 2007 3:45 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 15:45
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, thank you for sharing the lovely tribute.
Posted by Alynda | October 21, 2007 3:43 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 15:43
I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope that your lovely memories will be a comfort to you through the inevitable sadness.
Posted by Jenna | October 21, 2007 3:03 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 15:03
I'm so sorry about your loss! My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family!
Posted by Lani | October 21, 2007 2:51 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 14:51
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.
Posted by mamie | October 21, 2007 2:46 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 14:46
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....
Posted by --Deb | October 21, 2007 2:41 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 14:41
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.
Posted by Laurie | October 21, 2007 2:30 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 14:30
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....
Posted by Dot Sevigny | October 21, 2007 1:51 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 13:51
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.
Posted by Gina-Louise | October 21, 2007 12:56 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 12:56
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.
Posted by Arianne | October 21, 2007 12:26 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 12:26
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.
Posted by samm | October 21, 2007 12:25 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 12:25
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.
Posted by Sheri | October 21, 2007 11:06 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 11:06
My condolences, Marnie. What a lovely tribute to a wonderful man.
Posted by Jen. | October 21, 2007 10:51 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 10:51
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. ♥
Posted by Cookie | October 21, 2007 10:48 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 10:48
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
Posted by chris | October 21, 2007 10:47 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 10:47
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.
Posted by Kelly | October 21, 2007 10:45 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 10:45
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.
Posted by Kate | October 21, 2007 10:19 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 10:19
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.
Posted by TheBon | October 21, 2007 9:35 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 09:35
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Sounds like he was a wonderful man who will continue to inspire and guide you.
Posted by Sue H | October 21, 2007 9:32 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 09:32
I'm sorry Marnie. It sounds like your grandfather was a good man. May you always have a bit of him with you everyday.
Posted by loriz | October 21, 2007 8:43 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 08:43
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.
Posted by Janice in GA | October 21, 2007 8:31 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 08:31
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.
Posted by beth | October 21, 2007 8:28 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 08:28
I'm very sorry about your loss.
Posted by monica | October 21, 2007 7:30 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 07:30
What a lovely tribute. I am very sorry for your loss.
Posted by Amanda | October 21, 2007 7:20 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 07:20
{hugs}
Posted by mazhalai | October 21, 2007 6:57 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 06:57
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.
Posted by mick | October 21, 2007 6:46 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 06:46
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.
Posted by Rene' | October 21, 2007 6:46 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 06:46
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.
Posted by Julia | October 21, 2007 6:41 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 06:41
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.
Posted by Dawn | October 21, 2007 5:22 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 05:22
I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I'm glad you have wonderful memories to help you through this sad time.
Posted by Angie | October 21, 2007 5:08 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 05:08
Marnie, my sympathies... he sounds like a wonderful man who had a wonderful, full life - how lucky for him, and for you!
Posted by Deirdre | October 21, 2007 4:08 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 04:08
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.
Posted by Tasha | October 21, 2007 3:52 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 03:52
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.
Posted by jody | October 21, 2007 3:10 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 03:10
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.
Posted by Hattie | October 21, 2007 1:45 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 01:45
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.
Posted by kat | October 21, 2007 12:13 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 00:13
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!
Posted by Ginger aka Beethoven | October 21, 2007 12:03 AM
Posted on October 21, 2007 00:03
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.
Posted by Francesca | October 20, 2007 11:09 PM
Posted on October 20, 2007 23:09
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
Posted by Mary-Heather | October 20, 2007 10:37 PM
Posted on October 20, 2007 22:37