1-2-2015

Grandpa, today from the Hill of the Cross the view of the volcano and Antigua is clear. An hour ago I learned that yesterday that you had gone. Images of you at every stage I’ve known you have been streaming through my recall. Since a half century ago you were given six months to live, you truly defied those long odds and gave us all the gift that was you–not to bad for a man with only 1/3rd of a functioning heart.

I will try to keep your joy and always positive outlook on life alive in the world by housing it inside me. You were unafraid to intrude upon people’s attention and prod until you found their smile or laughter. Thank you for believing in me always. Today the thought of you is inextricably woven with a sense of loss–I’ll never be able to pull a chair up beside your wheelchair. Now the conversations will be one sided. Today this kills me, but I know eventually my feelings will settle into the unbridled appreciation that you lived and I had such a person as you in my life for 29 years.

You encapsulate such a pristine example of a wonderful way to approach life and a noble way to leave it. Thank you for holding on for that one final family Christmas every one of us will cherish. Thank you for raising Dad to be the wonderful man he became and thank you for the six years you stuck around after the love of your life departed for the mystery beyond you’ve just left for. We all have so much love for you.