My grandfather has been in and out of the hospital a lot recently. Apparently his heart is not functioning as well as it should be, and he’s on oxygen. It turns out he has a form of leukemia. He didn’t tell us until now as he didn’t want us to worry, although it apparently is a form that’s not necessarily fatal… but since he’s 97 I’m very worried about him.
He’s always been my idea of what a man should be, and he is the kindest person I have ever known. He fought in WWII in his mid 30’s as a combat enigneer and was even captured by the Germans for a while (though the Germans left them in the house they were holding him in due to the Normandy Breakout). He’s been there for all his grandchildren and helped most of them with college. I was even given my middle name after him.
I hope he’s around long enough for me to see him again, though I doubt it. I will be writing to him a lot now. I wish I had started sooner.
Please keep in him your prayers, as he means a lot to everyone around him. I’ve found a nice little community here, and I write to all of you as a friend.
Thanks HB. It seems like I’ve got to the age when a lot more of my family is getting more likely to pass away. Up until now it seems I’ve been lucky since only my grandad has died in the last 20 years, whereas many of my friends have had most or all of their grandparents die and other family members. Looks like something I’m going to have to get used to.
Aaaw, that is sad. But he has had a god run so far from the sound of it, here’s hoping he can keep it up. And that’s something to treasure at least.
Neither of my grandfather’s made it to 60 so I’ve never met them and dad’s mother died when I was like 3 or 4, maybe 5 so I didn’t quite affect me, I was too young to really understand. I guess one could say I’m fortunate not to have been forced to dealing with a family member dying.
My sole grandparent (mother’s mother) is now 81 and earlier this year she had a “good natured” tumour removed from her tongue. I’m working hard to make myself believe she’ll be around forever, but…
BTW, why doesn’t he English language distinguish between father’s parents and mother’s parents? Makes conversations like these really difficult to type.
Both my grandparents died on my mums side of the family, my grandmother died when I was six and I was closest to her, and my grandfather died in 2006 just 4 days after boxing day as for my dads side of the family we don’t talk to them
So really I never had proper grandparents, oh well thats life.
I have only one living Grandparent. Losing a Grandparent is a great loss as they are ultimately tied into much of your memories of family.
My deepest sympathies to you both, especially as the New Year rings in.
My Grandfather once told me that in order to allow the new to replenish, the old must relinquish their hold on life. Some relinquish it easier than others, but in the end, we all must pass, and in our place, a new beginning… He likened it to a rose, where the blossom must die to allow the bud to grow, which, in it’s own time will blossom and continue the circle of life.
May you remember the beauty of the Rose and all the smiles it brang. All the people who were blessed by the presence of the Rose in your family and abroad. Remember the joy the Rose brought to you when you were able to see it in full bloom. Keep those memories close toyour hearts.
Wish I had seen this post sooner so I could’ve sent more positive thoughts when you needed them most. hug If nothing else, he’s lived a long, full life and seen his grandchildren, like you, grow to be wonderful people. I’m sure nothing brings him more happiness than knowing that.
Swiss: I also missed this. I am very sorry, and wish the best for him and you!
Cornixt: I am very sorry to hear that as well. It is always hard being somewhere else when things like that happen.
This is always a hard subject for me. I lost my dad when I was 17. He was only 43 (that was 20 years ago this march). I’ve always hated the phrase “I understand it is hard…” mainly because the people who say that do not know the person involved…so they have NO idea. Each and every person is different, and their passing is different, and your reaction to it is so different. The only thing you can concentrate on is the positive things of their lives. And always try to live in a way in which they would be proud. That way you’ll always honor those that you have loved. And you can pass on a little bit of them to everyone you meet.
Don’t mean to be preachy. And I wish the best for you both.
As Kera said, do your best to see him. My Nan passed away some time ago and I assumed you’d be okay because I was never told it was that bad and the one chance I had to see her, I said no.