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.
Andrea - -I'm soooo sorry for your loss!! I remember saying good-bye to my grandpa--it still makes me tear up!! I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!! Blessings and Hugs!!
Posted by: melissa czapor | April 21, 2010 at 04:31 PM
Oh Andrea how beautiful you describe & share who you grandfather is..Nothing like the old school folks. Life is funny as you know it seems the passing of a loved one usually brings a new birth...so now your little
Pootz will be here soon..when is the due date?
Blessings & peace to you & your family. xo Laura
Posted by: laura | April 21, 2010 at 06:47 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss, Andrea.
As a grandparent myself, I have to say that was a lovely tribute. You must have been a joy to him.
Karla
Posted by: Karla Nathan | April 21, 2010 at 08:15 PM
You Grandpa sounded like such a beautiful person. You honored him with such love in this post and I'm sure he's smiling down on you right now! Hold tight those memories and everything he has taught you. He really was part of the "greatest generation"
Posted by: gabrielle | April 21, 2010 at 10:27 PM
So sorry for what you lost. I know; you just discribed my daddy, who I lost 7 years ago. You will miss him everyday and in time, it will be in a "good way". He sounds like a very special person and I agree, he truly was part of the "greatest generation"
Posted by: lovey | April 22, 2010 at 12:23 AM
MY Grandfather loved Big Red too!! Oh I'm so sorry for your loss! He has so much to be proud of in you! Big hugs for beloved memories sent your way. I posted a little something on Facebook to you...Happy Birthday Doll! xoxo Molly
Posted by: Fleur de Bee | April 22, 2010 at 01:42 AM
What a nice tribute... I'm so sorry about your grandfather.
Posted by: NTE | April 22, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Dear Andrea, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandpa. Your sweet post would have made him so ever proud of you!!
What a neat man ~ I loved that he was a WWII vet, that’s something to be incredibly proud of!!! I also loved the fact he used to repair old TV's!!!
Hold on to all of your wonderful memories of him as he was a real treasure!!!
P.S. ~I hope your having a wonderful Birthday!!!
Sincerely, Tricia K.
Posted by: Tricia k. Johnson | April 22, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Oh Andrea... words cannot express how sorry I am for the pain you are carrying right now. I never had the fortune of meeting either of my grandfathers, so I can only imagine your pain right now. He sounded like a wonderful, truly genuine man. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time and may the beautiful memories you hold help his memory live on and get you through this difficult time.
Posted by: Amy | April 22, 2010 at 02:40 PM
My heart goes to you and your family. <3
*hugs*
Posted by: Berlin | April 22, 2010 at 04:44 PM
So sorry for your loss Andrea. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
Posted by: sonia audelo | April 22, 2010 at 07:30 PM
So sorry to hear about your loss. You were certainly blessed to have had such a special role model in your life. I'm sure he was proud of the beautiful legacy he created.
May your heart be full of comfort and peace as you turn the page.
Posted by: Melissa | April 22, 2010 at 09:34 PM
I am crying now....he sounds like a wonderful influence in your life. I hope you hold onto all of those wonderful memories!
Posted by: kana | April 22, 2010 at 11:33 PM
Oh my dear Andrea...My heart is sad for your too. Your beautiful dedication to him would make him proud. You have to know he is smiling in heaven.
My "Nana" meant the same to me and when I bake and sew, I know she is never far away.
My best to you and your family,
Hugs, Nancy xoxo
Posted by: Nancy Walker | April 23, 2010 at 02:13 PM
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. He sounds like a treasure and will continue to be in your memories!
Posted by: Kathy | April 23, 2010 at 02:40 PM
Thank you for sharing your lovely memories, very touching.
God bless
Karen
Posted by: Karen Sanders | April 23, 2010 at 03:56 PM
I'm sorry for your loss, Andrea. But, take comfort in knowing that he was a wonderful, loving person and you were lucky to have him as your grandfather. His hugs will always be your warmth as will his love & spirit until you all see him again.
Posted by: tammyCA | April 23, 2010 at 09:18 PM
Andrea,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
amy
Posted by: Amy in Texas | April 24, 2010 at 06:12 PM
I'm sorry about your grandfather Andrea. But how wonderful that he lived such a good life and that he loved and was loved so much. You cant beat that.
Hugs to you!
vivian
Posted by: vivian | April 24, 2010 at 06:21 PM
A beautiful tribute to an obviously much loved man. {{hugs}}. Caz xx
Posted by: Caz | April 25, 2010 at 06:20 AM
so sorry.
Posted by: Ele | April 25, 2010 at 05:45 PM
Thinking of you and prayers to your family. What wonderful memories to cherish. I remember mine the best with his old straw hat, big smile, and those funky straw like loafers sitting with his famous bloody mary by the lake. Cherish those memories with your children--I can't wait to share those with my little one as she won't meet any great grandparents. xo Kris
Posted by: Kris Pare | April 25, 2010 at 07:23 PM
Andrea, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. Your post brought tears to my eyes - you did such a beautiful job of capturing who he was and what he meant to you. I know you will always miss him, but how lucky you are to have had such a wonderful grandpa - and such wonderful memories to hold on to...
XOXO
Jessica
Posted by: Jessica - Such Pretty Things | April 25, 2010 at 07:38 PM
I'm so terribly sorry, Andrea. I am praying for you and your family. I'm so glad you knew to hug him a little longer the last time you saw him. He sounds like an amazing man.
Posted by: holly abston | April 26, 2010 at 02:37 AM
Oh Andrea I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounded like such a sweetie. You were vbery blessed to have such a man in your family. God bless you and your family
Posted by: Sandy | April 26, 2010 at 05:27 PM