Saying Goodbye

" What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply become a part of us again. "

Helen Keller



June 2011, our last picture together



I doubt there is anyone in this room who doesn't feel blessed to have known my Grandpa. He was a brother, a friend, a husband, a father, and for me, a grandfather. We all have our own memories of this wonderful man, and today I would like to share some of mine.

I will always remember playing in the pool as a kid, and watching Grandpa jump off the diving board, splashing half of the pool water out.

I will always remember Grandpa and Grandma taking me out to Red Lobster for my birthday each year, and buying me my first lobster tail.

I will always remember Grandpa helping to buy my first car, a blue Ford Escort. He even had a special block of wood installed because I was too short to reach the pedals.

I will always remember him visiting us in Rhode Island, walking along the Cliffwalk.

I will always remember watching my daughter snuggle up to him as he read her a story.

I will always remember his great hugs, his smile, and the way he cared about our family.

Thank you, Grandpa, for being a part of my life. I love you and I will miss you.

(this is what I read at his funeral on February 20, 2012)

If we can learn anything from the death of a loved one, it is to treasure the moments that God gives you on this Earth.  Losing my Grandpa has given me a lot to think about, mostly things I wish I had done differently and would go back and change if I could.  We all have our regrets, but the best we can do is learn from our mistakes and change things in the future.  Here are some things I hope to change.

* Take pictures.  Lots of them.  It doesn't matter if the sun is shining in our eyes and making us squint or if the kids aren't looking at the camera.  Take them anyway, just to show that we were together.  When my kids are older, those pictures might be all they have to remember him by. 

* Listen to stories about their years growing up. Ask questions.  Learn more about their lives, past and present.  There's so much I didn't know about my Grandpa and now I can't ask him anymore.  Even better, write stuff down so you have a record of your family history. 

* Record the voices of your loved ones.  I'll never forget what he looks like, but in years to come I wonder if I'll always remember what his voice sounded like.  I hope so.

* Call.  Why didn't I pick up the phone and call more often?  Yes, life is busy with two little kids but now that he is gone I will always regret not making that extra effort to connect more often.  Always thinking there would be another day to do it.

Rest in peace, Grandpa. Until we meet again in Heaven...