Losing a loved one

Posted on February 1, 2010
Filed Under Family, Friendship, Health, Lake, Love, Music, New Hampshire, Travel |

I had a nice post planned today about how much fun I had over the weekend with Mike and my family up in New Hampshire at the annual ice fishing derby. And it was really fun–despite the frigid temperatures, Mike and I managed to stay out on the ice for hours and really enjoyed ourselves. We ate a great breakfast at Sunshine & Pa’s (a local dinner) that included ranch dressing for the home fries (a delicious combination) and saw a plane, helicopter, hovercraft, ice sailing contraption and a multitude of bobhouses (among other recreational toys) in Meredith Bay on the Big Lake. But all of that was overshadowed by something really sad: my grandpa died.

It happened last night, but it wasn’t unexpected. He’s had signs of dementia for years and balance trouble that resulted in many tumbles and injuries. More recently, his health had deteriorated, part of the reason why he and grammy were up in Meredith at a nursing home. I thought the last time I would see him was around New Year’s, but I was blessed by another chance to say good-bye on Saturday afternoon. It was really special and makes the whole horrible situation easier to bear. I’m saddened by the loss of the only grandfather I’ve ever known, but I’m devastated to think about how my grandmother, who lost her spouse of 60 years, and my dad and his brothers, must be feeling right now. But it makes me happy to think of the time they all had together here on earth–I will feel so lucky if I get to be married for that long to someone I truly love and if my parents are alive when I’m growing older myself.

Memories of my grandfather almost all center around Florida, the state he lived in and loved for decades. He was always up for a trip to the pool or beach, never tiring of tossing brother bear or me around in the pool when we were kids. He was a magical piano player, with lightening quick fingers that he used to tickle the ivories. I loved when he would play and sing “Easter Parade” and I would prance around the house. In preparation for his celebration of life, muzzy and I were flipping through a bunch of old photos and it was so neat to see him in his piano playing heyday down in Miami. His fresh-squeezed orange juice is still the best I’ve ever had and as I child, I had a fasination with brushing his hair, a task he obliged countless times. He made us so many beautiful Christmas ornaments that I’ll cherish for years to come, thinking of him as I hang them on the tree. I’ll miss him dearly and always look back on these memories fondly. Rest in peace grandpa, I love and miss you already.

Comments