My beloved Grandfather passed away and I've been sad. I will miss him so much, and really wish I could be in Ohio with my family right now, but there's no way I could make the trip.
He was a gentle giant. The child of Slovak immigrants, he's the reason I'm tall. My other 3 grandparents are Italian, and on the shorter side.
He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and was part of what has come to be known as The Greatest Generation. And I believe it was.
He was an entrepreneur, and had his own television repair shop back in the day when you actually took your TV to get it repaired instead of throwing it away and buying a new one.
Eventually he started fixing TV's on his own. He had some clients who couldn't afford to pay him, so they made quilts in exchange for the TV repair. Everyone in the family had one of those quilts.
His love for electronics never ceased. He became an Internet junkie in his late 70's and always kept up to date on my blog. I can't imagine what could have possibly interested him on this blog, except the fact that I was the author. He thought that was neat.
He computer-made all of the greeting cards he and Grandma sent out, and they went through crazy amounts of printer ink. They never missed a holiday.
He was sincere as sunshine.
He loved to chew Big Red gum.
He played golf until he was 80 years old.
Sometimes when I'd say goodbye, he would hug me so tight I couldn't breathe.
When he talked to you, you felt like you were the only person in the world.
The last time I saw him, I thought it might be the last time forever. I was right. I made sure to hug him extra long and walked away with tears in my eyes that he didn't see.
He called me Pootz.
He would've given you his last $20 and the shirt off his back if you needed it.
He had suffered long enough, and although we never wanted to say goodbye, we know he is at peace now.
Like many grandfathers, he was special. And I miss him.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Andrea!
I'm wishing you peace.
Posted by: Maija Lepore | April 26, 2010 at 11:18 PM
I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm sure you'll gonna miss him a thousand times.
Posted by: Jobs retail | April 27, 2010 at 03:37 AM
Oh Andrear I'm so sorry to hear of your passing of you grandfather. He sounds like a very special Man. sending {{{{hugs}}}}your way.
Posted by: gabrielle | April 27, 2010 at 01:54 PM
I am sad for your loss, Andrea. Just remember your grandpa will always be present in your heart.
hugs,
Sherry
Posted by: Sherry Williams | April 27, 2010 at 11:45 PM
Thinking of you. Wonderful post, a true tribute to a loved man in your life. You will share many stories of him with your children for years to come I am sure.
Amy
Posted by: amy | April 28, 2010 at 12:42 PM
hey andrea!
I know how you are feeling, i lost my grandma 9 months ago and its gets a bit easier everyday but its definitely tough... just remember the good times and all the happy memories.
Posted by: Lesley | May 02, 2010 at 12:44 AM
I'm so sorry, Andrea. God bless you and your beautiful family as you remember your dear grandpa...which, of course, will be... always.
Julie M.
Posted by: Julie M ~ The Little Red Shop | May 02, 2010 at 05:56 PM