Rest in Peace, Poppa
Dear Grandpa,
You died five years ago today after forcing yourself, in hospital, to remain alive so you wouldn't leave your wife of six decades behind. You did this because at the end of your long, and beautiful life you wanted nothing more than to hold her hand, and be with her for a few minutes a day. The simple act of doing that showed me a love which literally forced me back onto my feet and changed my life. You are the sole reason I am the man I am today, and mere words to describe that are meaningless. So with each passing day and each breath of the last five years I tried to do be a living testament to the brilliant, strong, powerful and amazing man you were, and are.
I haven't been able to do it, though I've tried my best - sometimes I've faltered, and sometimes I've forgotten your example. I know you'll forgive me and are proud of me, because in the end that's all you ever wanted. To be proud of what you'd done...
...and because of you, I'm strong. Because of you I don't give up hope, even when faced with such constant and unceasing examples of human cruelty as I see on a daily basis. And so because of you I'm still on my feet, and because of you I'll stay there. And there really isn't any way to thank you, besides soldiering on forward, in the hope that someday I'll be able to realize I lived my life like you did, and maybe inspire others to do the same.
I love you, Poppa, and I always will. Thank you.
Phil
PS I haven't had to do it alone, grandpa - there have been many amazing people guiding me along... and I think they know who they are...
You died five years ago today after forcing yourself, in hospital, to remain alive so you wouldn't leave your wife of six decades behind. You did this because at the end of your long, and beautiful life you wanted nothing more than to hold her hand, and be with her for a few minutes a day. The simple act of doing that showed me a love which literally forced me back onto my feet and changed my life. You are the sole reason I am the man I am today, and mere words to describe that are meaningless. So with each passing day and each breath of the last five years I tried to do be a living testament to the brilliant, strong, powerful and amazing man you were, and are.
I haven't been able to do it, though I've tried my best - sometimes I've faltered, and sometimes I've forgotten your example. I know you'll forgive me and are proud of me, because in the end that's all you ever wanted. To be proud of what you'd done...
...and because of you, I'm strong. Because of you I don't give up hope, even when faced with such constant and unceasing examples of human cruelty as I see on a daily basis. And so because of you I'm still on my feet, and because of you I'll stay there. And there really isn't any way to thank you, besides soldiering on forward, in the hope that someday I'll be able to realize I lived my life like you did, and maybe inspire others to do the same.
I love you, Poppa, and I always will. Thank you.
Phil
PS I haven't had to do it alone, grandpa - there have been many amazing people guiding me along... and I think they know who they are...