A Man I Loved

It was a hot August day twenty-two years ago and even though I was only ten years old I have vivid memories of that day.

Sheer panic, hysterical crying and the look on my mother’s face that I will never forget.

As she packed our bags, I noticed her hands were trembling and her cheeks were tear stained.

The next thing I knew my brother, sister and I were dropped off to a nearby friend’s house. My parents kissed us good-bye and left.

It wasn’t until a week later when they came to pick us up that I realized what happened.

My parents sat my brother {who was 8 at the time} and me down to explain to us that our Grandpop had passed away. As a young child I didn’t completely grasp the entire concept of death.

I do remember sitting in my basement one night, alone, crying that I would never see him again.

I was blessed to have my Grandparents live next door to us until they moved to Florida only two years before his passing.  While I was young, I do have some wonderful memories of my time with him.

My Grandpop would always make time to join me at my weekly tea parties.  He would squeeze himself into the tiny little chair I gave him, where a crown on his head and sip tea with me.

Or the times that we would sit on his deck and sing “Pennies From Heaven” together. He would dance, twirl and dip me.  We would laugh and giggle and he showered me with so much love.

And one of my best memories would be when he would meet me at the bus stop, walk me home from school and talk to me about my day.  He was always present in our lives and you always felt his love.

Thinking back to that horrible August day, my mom was the same age as I am now with three small children. I am in awe at how she managed to keep her composure and go on with life.  My dear friend, Lauren, is going through a similar situation.  Like my mother, her children come first because that is what mothers do right?

I am sure when the day is over and the children are in bed, it is their time to deal with their loss. As mothers, we have to compress our feelings and go on with taking care of our children and everyday responsibilities.

I am remembering this day because today would of been my Grandpop’s 90th birthday.  I am so sad that my husband and children never met him. He would of LOVED his great-grandchildren and they would of loved him.

He has missed out on so much.

My Grandmother lives only 10 minutes away from us now and she still talks about the love of her life.  Thankfully my boys bring her such joy and they love spending time with their GG.  She is a strong woman and never dated when my Grandpop passed away.  She said that her heart will always remain with him.

So today, Happy Birthday Grandpop.

I miss you more than words can say.

One day we will meet again.  Save me a seat at the tea party.

To read more lady’s pouring their hearts out stop on over at Things I Can’t Say!

Tagged as: Death, Grandparents, Happy Birthday, Losing a loved one, Pour Your Heart Out