sad tidings
Our grandfather passed away yesterday at the age of 86.
It's the kind of phone call we all dread, knowing full well that it must come one day.
What can I say? We'll miss him.
I'll make sure my children and grandchildren can say 'go to the pharmacy' backwards in German really fast. I'll be sure to tell them who got out the water hose when my brother and sister and I had water fights in the garden in summer. We'll be sure to remember how he used to drive off after a visit and had to stop five hundred meters away because he had so many tears in his eyes he couldn't drive.
Oh, and yes, I'll remember all my life how he used to hold Hanna upside down by her legs when she howled because he thought she might suffocate with her own rage (gratifying moment in the life of a sister). We'll remember the funny and the sad stories he told us, and I'll sure never forget the memorable phone calls that started out all happy and ended with him hanging up abruptly and without good bye because he didn't want us to hear him cry.
And yes, once in a while Daniel, Hanna and I will go to a restaurant and tell the waiter we would not like to pay (maybe we'll even wave the money around just a little bit), and when asked how we are, we'll answer 'thank you, bad as well'. Grinning a little bit.
Oh, I'm so sorry, Julia. Big hugs to your family today.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | 06/05/2008 at 18:59
Julia,
I am so sorry for your loss. It really is so hard to lose a loved one. My thoughts will be with you and your family and my hope is that you can find some peace in such wonderful memories of him in your life.
Posted by: Natalie Edwards | 06/05/2008 at 23:50
Julia, I'm so, so sorry. Your memories of him are beautiful and hilarious - your family has obviously been blessed to have such an amazing person in your lives. You and yours will be in my thoughts.
Posted by: Sharon | 07/05/2008 at 04:40
Your posting about your grandfather is beautiful. My mother and I were just talking about my grandfather this weekend and how we miss having him around. It's amazing the impact our family members have on us and on the world. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Erin | 07/05/2008 at 05:56
julia. i am sorry. loosing grandparents is never easy. but luckily there are so many good memories to keep us going.
Posted by: leslie | 07/05/2008 at 11:00
so sorry to hear of your loss- he sounds wonderful.
Posted by: janet clare | 07/05/2008 at 12:38
I'm very sorry to hear of your sad news Julia...they are such special memories you will always treasure. Gx
Posted by: Gina | 07/05/2008 at 15:19
I'm so sorry about your loss Julia...
Posted by: Shirley | 07/05/2008 at 16:14
Oh, Julia. Now I know where you get your spunk from. Your memories are wonderful and funny. I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you, my friend.
Posted by: Tracy | 07/05/2008 at 19:30
Julia -
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. They are such cool people and always seem to leave their marks in our lives. Take care dear.
Posted by: Jen | 08/05/2008 at 00:14
Oh Julia, I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. This is such a beautiful, poignant post. What a legacy your grandfather leaves -- he sounds like a wonderful man. Sending you peace and strength as you navigate this loss.
Posted by: betsy | 08/05/2008 at 13:54
oh- i'm so sorry, julia. what a beautiful post for your grandfather.
Posted by: melissa | 13/05/2008 at 16:50