Thursday, July 2, 2009

Missing him already


I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone who left a comment on my last post. Your kind words of empathy and support were most touching.

Sadly though, Grandpa George is no longer with us. He faced death with confidence, safe in the knowledge that he was going to be with Jesus.

Oh, but we miss him already. I am sad that I didn't get to see him yesterday. I wish that I had been a bit more proactive about getting to the hospital, but I honestly thought he would be OK. He always was. He was that kind of guy.

We had a party a number of years ago just before he had major heart surgery- an "in case Grandpa doesn't make it party" for the family to get together. He made it. I thought he would make it this time too.

I remember vaguely when I was little Dad receiving a call to say that Grandpa had had a sky diving accident, in which he broke his pelvis, and I think there was also a skiing accident in there somewhere, and perhaps a broken leg or two. He went on a mission to India quite recently, he preached at my brother's wedding just last November- he truly used up each and every one of his 81-or-so years. And however-many-bones too.

He was Godly and wise, but he was pretty cheeky as well, which appealed to us grandkids very much. I will never forget when I was about 10, Grandpa teaching me the song with the lyric, "everybody's doin it, picking their nose and chewin it." At 10 years old, that is the purest of gold.

I will miss watching (and eavesdropping on) Grandpa and Dad yacking away in the corner of family get togethers. I will miss giving him a big hug. I will miss him looking adoringly at my children. I will always be sad that I didn't get to see him "one more time".

But I know that he is happy now. And that we will meet again.




9 comments:

Jo (sparkly green knickers) said...

So sad, they were some lovely things you had to say about him. I'm sure he felt you there in spirit.

Cindy said...

Beautiful words, I hope it makes it seem a little less sad. I sat and wrate down a letter to my kids after my Nan passed full of all the good stuff I think she would of wanted them to know. It has been 4 years now, and sadly there would of been so much that I would of forgotten. Best wishes to your family

Madeline said...

Beautiful, beautiful post. He has obviously passed his faith on to you which is something I feel certain he would be very proud of. He must have been a true blessing to everyone he met.

Tania said...

Bek, I'm truly sorry that things didn't pan out the way we all hoped. You have just written beautifully of some gorgeous moments back 'when'. I hope there is plenty more opportunity in the days to come to remember and hear many more stories and to give him a wonderful last hurrah.

Beck said...

It's always so hard when someone we love dies...it's such a buge thing to come to terms with. Through your memories, through your children & family and your faith I'm sure he will live on. It's sad you didn't get to see him one last time but I'm sure he knew how much you loved him. Take care, thinking of you xoxo

Gina said...

He sounds like a real character Bek. He'll clearly be missed awfully. xx Gina

Kelly said...

Bek, I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like such a special man. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Hugs x

edward and lilly said...

I'm so sad for your loss. Sounds like he was an amazing and inspiring man, your memories of him are lovely.

Evie said...

Hi Bek, Im so sorry for your loss. Your post is beautiful and your memories gorgeous. It sounds like he knew how to live a full and happy life. Very special. Evie xx