My mother called last night; my grandfather passed away. He was 81.
She said that he died in a way that he would have wanted. Granddad stood up from his easy chair, fell, and fractured his skull; the professionals say that he was dead before he hit the floor. I guess he had a heart attack; I’ll know more today. I’m sad, but in a strange way. He was the only grandfather I ever knew, but I don’t feel like I really knew him. Granddad was a former Marine, a man’s man, gruff, hard to read. I vaguely remember one real conversation, something about his time in the Marines during World War II. I know he loved me and knew that I loved him. I guess I’m more sad for my mother and grandmother. I wonder what my grandmother is going to do now. Her life has been consumed with taking care of her children and my grandfather. My grandparents have lived in the retirement home where my grandfather died for six years or so. Two years ago, my parents moved to the same town with the thought that the end was near for both of my grandparents. Granddad has been ill with that heart problem that causes you to cough… Congestive heart failure? He slept with an oxygen mask and has contracted debilitating colds and flus several times in the past few years. Looking back on it, I guess I could have seen it coming. My grandmother is very vital; I can see her living for quite a long time.
This thread is written to memorialize him, in my own way.
Memories of Granddad[ul][li]When I was five, I stayed with my grandparents for a week during the summer. I used to sleep in their room on a cot at the end of the bed. My grandfather snored like you would not believe. The first time I was woken up by his snoring, I thought he was snoring AT ME. I woke up my grandmother and said, crying, “Granddad is snoring at me!”[/li]
[li]Granddad would always say, “I love you most!” He said it to all of the grandchildren, we all knew it, but somehow it still made me feel special.[/li]
[li]He was a Yankee Doodle Dandy - born on July 4, 1921. I got to spend several Independence Days with him and the family. I remember something about him wanting to live to 2026 - the 250th birthday of the United States.[/li]
Sometimes he would call me “Marina Cora,” a kind of inside joke. I was born on November 9. If I had been born on November 10 (the Marine Corps Birthday), he wanted my parents to name me Marina Cora.[/ul]Goodbye, Granddad. I love you most.
I’m so sorry for your loss. But what a blessing that it was a quick end - I’m sure lingering in a helpless state would have been a torture for him.
He sounds like he was quite a man. How fortunate for you to have shared time with him. Hugs to you and your family. May the pain fade and the happy memories persist.
Along with the sad news about poopah and Roadwalker’s daughter, I’m noticing a lot of pain on this board and around me and in real life.
About a month ago, a friend was driving with his pregnant wife when they were hit by an unmarked police car. The baby was saved, the mother died and my friend will be in a wheelchair for a few months. Thank God he has his beautiful son to keep him going.
Last Thursday my work friend broke down crying and told me she was considering suicide. I had to take her seriously, so I called our employee assistance hotline. I think that’s going to turn out okay; the counselor convinced her to see a professional and is working on finding one for her.
Hello sorry for your loss, I never knew my Grandfathers (Died before i was born) I was very close to my Grandmother (Fathers Side) when she died just of old age in hospital she was 93 it was a gradual thing but she wouldnt give up. Whenever I went to see her in hospital she always used to say ‘The Gits aint got me yet’ or ‘The Buggers are making me miss bingo’ when i saw her the day she died she was smiling and said
‘Ah well times up lad, at least I’ve had a bloody good run, and that Hitler better watch out I’m gonna kick him all over’
Celebrate his life and always remember him
I alwaysget insperation from her humour and spirit, I never cried at the funeral its not what she would want.
Granddad received a Purple Heart for injuries he got in WWII. I think I’ve heard the story before, but I don’t really remember it. I will ask my father about it.
My mother has described my grandfather as not having much to live for, these past few years. Mom and her brother, Rick, were their only children. Rick was a drug addict and alcoholic. My grandparents enabled his behavior by bailing him out of jail, giving him money, etc. Rick finally died of a drug overdose ten years ago. As I said, Granddad was a man’s man. When he lost his son, the light seemed to go out.
Father and son are together now; differences forgotten.
I talked to my dad this morning. He said that Mom and Miz (my grandmother) are doing okay.
The memorial service will be sometime this week; I’ll be in Texas twice in three weeks. Weird.
The good news is that my brother and sister-in-law are going down; I’ll be able to see my nieces. Haven’t seen them since January and have never seen my newer niece, Riley. She’s six months old.
Gazelle, I am so sorry. This seems to be a bad time of year, because my roommate’s grandfather passed away this morning. He had cancer, and it was a long, downhill battle that is finally over. I read your thread, and literally seconds later he IM’d me to tell me what happened.
I never had grandparents, so I can’t say I know how you feel, but I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Just know that your grandfather has good company with a saucy French guy who just arrived in heaven.
Gazelle, except for the whole Army vs. Marine Corps (insert standard “one is better than the other” remark here) thing, and that whole “ability to show love” bit, I think we had the same grandfather:) Mine left … gosh, three and a half years ago. It’s been that long…
Skerri, my horrible knowledge of US Military history aside, they may well be saying “Hey, nice to see you again!” One never knows.
You’re sweet pun. I’m equally enamored of the Army, Air Force and Marines. My dad was Army, my husband was Air Force and, as you know, Granddad was a Marine.
Well, I’m heading down to Texas tomorrow. I don’t get in there 'til midnight and I don’t get back here 'til Sunday at about 11:00 PM. It’s going to be a long week.
One never knows.