I was woken up on Sunday morning with the news that my grandfather had passed away. Some of you have lost loved ones at some point in your life; I've lost a great aunt a few years ago, but my grandfather was the closest relative who has passed.
He had been suffering from Alzheimer's for a couple of years now. I rarely saw him--he lives (lived) in Pittsburgh, and I'm in Chicago--perhaps once a year or so. One visit I saw him and he was fine. I later learned that he had shown symptoms of Alzheimer's. The next time I saw him he was quieter, more withdrawn. The visit after that he was barely there at all.
I'll be seeing him for the last time tomorrow.
I'm not here to write a eulogy for the man. He was a good man, and well loved. That's all any of us could ask for on this earth. When I die, if I'm remembered the same way, I'll be pleased with that.
I'm in Pittsburgh right now, and I don't know if I'll be able to write again before I return. Do me a favor, though. Today or tomorrow, do something nice for someone. Hold open a door. Say 'bless you' when someoen sneezes. Let someone make a left turn out of a parking lot.
I'll consider that a tribute to my Grandpa Sam.
01 October 2007
The Idea of Progress Will Return Soon
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19 comments:
Godspeed, sir, to you and yours.
Sorry to hear about your grandfather. Best to you.
Nice post.
My condolences to you and your family.
Sorry to hear about him, my grandfather on my moms side died before I was born, I hate it when you can't spend enough time with them and then they die in the middle of a good time
My condolences. We'll be here when you get back.
What a nice way to remember him. I'll do that. I'm sorry for your loss.
Nice indeed. I'll be sure to do something tomorrow for Sam.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Cherish the moments you shared with him, as I'm sure you will. And what a beautiful gesture to pay tribute to his memory - he must have been a proud grandpa.
Good vibes to your granddad's final journey! I'm sure he'll be remembered with much love. And good vibes to you as well, naturally!
I'm sorry for your loss. Your post is a good tribute.
Take care of yourself.
You have my deepest sympathies. My mom passed away a few months ago and I understand how difficult this time can be. I'm very sorry for your loss. Take care...
I'm off to do something nice for someone and think of my grandpa (who also passed of Alzheimer's).
I've lost assorted great-aunts and uncles, one actual aunt, and my college advisor, who I was very close to. None of that hit me like losing my Grammy in July of last year. She was probably my favorite person ever.
The doing something nice tribute is a lovely idea, and I'll make that happen for you, but I'll also say a few prayers, 'cause that's what I do. If it's not what you do, I still hope the good vibes are felt. Virtual hugs.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
My sympathies. I hope your family is a real help right now.
Lost my grandmother to Alzheimer's. It was hard to deal with. My sympathies.
I have held open a door and said "bless you" today.
I let two pedestrians walk today when it wasn't their turn. And I did a friendly wave out the window to them.
Cheers Grandpa Sam!
I know I'm a bit late on this one, and it's a bit cliche to boot, but I'm really sorry to hear about this.
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