This family is the result of the love between my grandparents. Over 56 years, this love created 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Nate and Alex exist because of this love. It is in this very large family that my grandfather's spirit will live on.
When we visited my grandfather last week, he was not feeling well. The most remarkable thing was that he said he hoped he felt better the next time we came to Florida. These are two things I hope to pass down from him to my kids: optimism and love. Passing down his liberal political leanings as well would be great, but I'd be content with just optimism and love.
Rather than feel sad about over his passing, I choose to focus on the positive. I got to have my grandparents at my high school graduation, my wedding, and my baby shower. He got to meet Nate and Alex. He had a huge family that provided years of joy. He lived a long life with one of the most remarkable women I know. He had the most important thing you can have in your life and he had it in excess: love.
Grandpa Joe, you are missed already but will always be in our hearts.
18 comments:
So sorry to read about your Grandpa Joe. Your post is lovely. {{hugs}}
I'm so sorry for you loss. He sounds like a wonderful grandfather... and great-grandfather.
Laura
Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts. This is such a lovely post-it brought tears to my eyes.
j
Laura, I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. Sounds like he was lucky enough to live an incredible life surrounded by great family.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Love/Family is indeed a wonderful legacy.
What a beautiful post, Laura. Many condolences to you and your family.
Laura and Family,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandpa Joe, as I can remember stories and comments you've made about him since I began reading your blog.
What a legacy for him to leave. Love and, as a result, a family that continues to grow. Love is all you need!
Thinking of you,
Carrie
Sorry to hear about your earthly loss..he sounds like a wonderful grandpa! But coming from a relational person, he is most likely sitting next to Jesus retelling Him all the funny stories about you. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear about your Grandfather. What a beautiful way to tribute and remember him. May he RIP.
Aw, all the best Laura. Great post to remember him by though :) *hugs*
I am so glad that you had a last visit with him. I worry about my grandparents as well and hate that time is so limited. Just remember that memories will keep him real and alive for your kids as the years pass.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Laura. This is a wonderful and touching tribute to Grandpa Joe, and your grandmother, too. RFK quoted Aeschylus when MLK was assassinated. He actually misquoted Aeschylus, but his version is so meaningful, nonetheless: "In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God." I'm not a religious person, but it sounds like Grandpa Joe had both wisdom and Grace. Give yourself time to grieve and don't worry so much about your funk. Hugs to you!
Ok, my word verification is "bible" is this a coincidence? A tribute that would make him proud, but he already knows this I'm sure. Wishing You and Jon a marriage as long as thiers, and happy children/grandchildren that they raised.
Love and optimism is a wonderful legacy to leave behind. I'm sure he would be honored that you are carrying on the tradition.
So sorry for your loss. I think this is an amazing post Laura. Look at that beautiful family! He sounded like a wonderful man.
Your post made me cry as I have lost two grandparents this year and it has been so sad for me. I am sorry for your loss and keep remembering all those wonderful memories that he left you with.
Sorry I am so late on this one but I am sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. He sounded like a wonderful man.
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