April 26th, 2010
I never wrote about it because it didn't feel right at the time. But my grandpa past away that afternoon. He died with his wife by his side. He past away with dignity. He had family with him around the clock for a 48 hour period so that he was never alone.
Grandma called as we were on our way back to the hospital telling us to come and say goodbye. It was very surreal. But I found it easier to say goodbye because he didn't look like my grandpa anymore. We parted on good terms. I was a good granddaughter. We spoke our minds and were honest with each other. I have no regrets and had numerous conversations over the past couple of years to remind him of what an amazing influence he had on my life.
He was very proud of me for going back to school. Up until Jan. 2010 he even drove me the two blocks from his home to the University because he didn't want me to walk alone at night. He bought me subscriptions to The Economist because he knew that I loved reading his weekly copy.
The only regret I have is no doing a better job of protecting my grandma from one of my aunts. I am ashamed of my aunt's behaviour and actions. I don't think I will ever be able to forgive or trust her again.
And though my mother wasn't perfectly behaved, her actions and words did not stem from evil. My mom still cries for her father and my dad is sad a lot - he lost one of his best friends - a 36 year friendship - and it breaks my heart.
And finally, I will never forgive my cousin for verbally attacking and intimidating me as my grandfather's grave was being filled. This is a cousin who never found the time to include grandma and grandpa in their life.
It's taken me a couple of weeks to gather my thoughts and figure out where my loyalty lies. I also needed to time articulate my emotions. But I'm better now.
I think about my grandpa every single day.
Grandma called as we were on our way back to the hospital telling us to come and say goodbye. It was very surreal. But I found it easier to say goodbye because he didn't look like my grandpa anymore. We parted on good terms. I was a good granddaughter. We spoke our minds and were honest with each other. I have no regrets and had numerous conversations over the past couple of years to remind him of what an amazing influence he had on my life.
He was very proud of me for going back to school. Up until Jan. 2010 he even drove me the two blocks from his home to the University because he didn't want me to walk alone at night. He bought me subscriptions to The Economist because he knew that I loved reading his weekly copy.
The only regret I have is no doing a better job of protecting my grandma from one of my aunts. I am ashamed of my aunt's behaviour and actions. I don't think I will ever be able to forgive or trust her again.
And though my mother wasn't perfectly behaved, her actions and words did not stem from evil. My mom still cries for her father and my dad is sad a lot - he lost one of his best friends - a 36 year friendship - and it breaks my heart.
And finally, I will never forgive my cousin for verbally attacking and intimidating me as my grandfather's grave was being filled. This is a cousin who never found the time to include grandma and grandpa in their life.
It's taken me a couple of weeks to gather my thoughts and figure out where my loyalty lies. I also needed to time articulate my emotions. But I'm better now.
I think about my grandpa every single day.