This morning, at 3:10, Grandpa Great died. Alan and his brother, Dean, were by his side. It was peaceful, Alan said. Grandpa was in his nineties and in poor health. We knew this day would come and quietly hoped it would so that he would be free from the ailments of his body. But, it still brings tears. We will miss him. He was at almost every family dinner. Alan's Mom and Dad made sure to bring him whenever they could. He was just with us all on Christmas day. Yesterday, when we thought he might die, I took the kids over in the afternoon. Max was hesitant. "I don't want to see him die." I told him he didn't have to go. He paused, then said, "I don't want to look back and regret not going. I should say goodbye." Wow. What a grown-up boy. He made that hard decision all by himself. I was so impressed. We spent 30 minutes with Grandpa. Before we left, Lilly yelled "Hawwaiii" at him. (Translation: "I love you"). He gently tried to lift his head and his eyes opened a little wider as he looked at her. I hope he knows she was saying I love you and not just yelling out fun vacation spots.
We love you Grandpa. We will miss having you around. HAWWWAIIII!!!
7 comments:
Awww Wendy~ You are right, it is bittersweet~ We are sorry for your loss but know of the precious memories~~ even *hawwaaiii~ Miss Lilly has it right!
I am really sorry to hear this Wendy. Sometimes our kids can keep us going through tough times with the simple things they say.
Heartfelt moments like these are beautiful memories. A few years ago when Kevin's dad died our lovely niece age 6, stood by the graveside and said in a soft tender voice, "Grandpa is really going to miss me." Blessed love to all of you as you remember him each Christmas.
I'm so sorry. What sweet kids you have. I think it means you've done a good job being their mom.
:o)
Bittersweet... I think part of the sweet is the 2 memories you shared about each child. Its nice to document those things before the memory fades. My heart goes out for your family, I think its especially hard during the holiday season to lose a loved one but its also such a wonderful time because we are so focused on our Savior and his Atonement. God bless.
Wendy--so sorry to hear about your Grampa. So wonderful that your kids got to know him and can have some lovely memories with him.
So fun to see your cute crew in sunny California!! Eventually, the snow will melt here and we may actually see you across the street...
How sad to loose such a special person. What a hard week you must have had.
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