Geoff's Grandad passed away on Friday morning, and the funeral services are today. This is difficult for our family because he was a big part of our lives, and a great Grandad to Geoff growing up. Geoff has fond memories of his Grandad walking through the forest with his wagon, going on family vacations to Maine, and Sunday night roast beef dinners. I do believe it was tradition that he and Grandma came over each Sunday when Geoff was growing up. He and Grandma were a huge part of Geoff's life, and for that he is thankful. Last night while lying in bed teary Geoff and I shared memories of Grandad, and wondered how he felt during his last moments, what he was thinking, and if he was scared.
Geoff turned to me and said "He was a really Great Grandad". He was so proud of Geoff, and always so interested in his schooling (Geoff went to school for a loooong time), and proud to have a Grandson who had completed his B.A. and M.A.
Grandad adopted me into the family from day one. He and Grandma even let me stay in their apartment and use their car when I was going on interviews in Toronto (they hardly knew me then). I have fond memories of conversations we had, traveling around England, going to the Isle of Wight (seeing where he once lived). When we were in England we seemed to have many great conversations while walking (we did lots of walking there). Memories of meeting him at the library (when we lived in Toronto), showing him how to use a computer, and sending and receiving e mails from him. I was very impressed that even though he was in his 80's he was interested in learning how to use a computer. Not surprising, since he was very inteligent.
I miss him and feel so sad that I did not get to say good bye. I spoke with him on the phone about two weeks ago, and had a feeling that would be our last conversation..always ending with "love you".
Today is very difficult for both Geoff and I since we cannot be there to attend the funeral. We are thankful that Geoff was able to visit a couple of weeks ago, and tell him how much we love him. He was able to see video and pictures of the kids through this blog, and of course would have loved to see all of us. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with him and get to know him, and that I had the opportunity to have a Grandfather, and a Great one!
3 comments:
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I always like to meet new bloggers. It looks like we have a recent event in common. I just lost my Grandma just two weeks ago. It has been so hard to have her gone. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
I also have a special place in my heart for mothers of preemies (and their little ones). My girls were born at 32 weeks (which probably sounds like a breeze to you). Their pregnancy and the experiences after have really affected me. I still help run a website and volunteer at the NICU. I have helped and made friends with a lot of preemies and know all too well the struggles that come alone with that stressful time! Your boys look wonderful!
Tell Goeff I am very sorry for his loss. It's great he got to go visit before he passed. Even though you can not be there phisically I'm sure you are felt there in spirit. I am so very sorry.
I know how much Grandad meant to you both and I know how much you will miss him. I think it is so great that Geoff had such a wonderful realtionship with his grandparents and such fond memories.
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