Monday, April 30, 2007

My Grandfather

Here is a picture of Jim, my Grandfather, Paul, and my Uncle David.


I am flying off tomorrow to go to my Grandfather's funeral. He was 97 years old. This picture was taken July 1st 2005.

My Grandparents divorced when my mother was about 14 years old. They both remarried, but remained very close over the years. The last time I saw him was when he flew down to Vancouver in 2005 for my Grandmother's funeral. He was 95 at the time. He stayed for about a week, at my Uncle David's house (his youngest on by my Grandmother).

Both him and my grandmother had more children from their second marriages and when all the kids were younger we would have big family get togethers that included all sisters, brothers, half sisters, half brothers, and step brothers and sisters -- and the grandchildren. My grandfather has a son that is about 3 years younger than me.

He was still living at home with his wife. He had done some work in the garden last spring, he had built a little pond and a bench for the back yard.

Both of my grandparents led very interesting, free spirited, full, long lives. We should all be so lucky. It is not a time for sadness, but a time to celebrate the goodness of a life well lived.
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14 comments:

  1. That's a nice pic of your grandfather. His sounds like a fulfilled life. Funerals can't help be anything but sad, but hope he has a nice funeral.

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  2. What a nice picture! I send you my deepest sympathy. You are right about celebration. It's a matter of perspective isn't it? I've often ponder the motives behing greiving. In many ways it can be considered selfish. Is one sad because a loved one as departed to an unknown or is one sad because one will never get to experience the touch etc.. of that person? Fascinating! Have a safe flight!

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  3. Sorry to hear about your Grandfather! It is great you have some wonderful photos and memories of him
    (I am also enjoying looking at your lovely quilts!)
    Thanks for sharing!

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  4. What a lovely photo - I am so sorry for your loss. Have a safe journey, funerals aren't nice at the best of times, but you're going with the right attitude - that it's a celebration of his life. (((HUGS)))

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  5. What a really nice picture. And it really is a celebration of life.

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  6. Wow, that does sound like a life well-lived. And to die still at home at 97, I hope I can have such a blessing. He looks like a very nice man.

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  7. My thoughts are with you, Pam! You're right - it's definitely a celebration of his life.

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  8. My condolences to you and the family. Ninety seven is a very good innings and to still be in his own home was wonderful.

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  9. My condolences to you and your family! Your attitude is wonderful, Pam! Yes, celebrate a long and good life! Take care!

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  10. I am so sorry for your loss Pam. Your grandfather looks like he was a splendid man. He certainly must have seen a lot of changes over his 97 years on Earth. Have a safe journey.

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  11. Dear Pam, my condolences to you and your parents.
    This picture is a lovely memory of your grandfather. ciao.

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  12. So sorry for ur loss Pam....to get to 97, wow i hope i get to 97!!!....its a beautiful photo......my thoughts r with u!!

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  13. Sorry for those sad news. It is a confort to know your grand father had a long and fulfilled life.

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  14. That's sad news Pam. Sounds like he had a full life.

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