Sunday, May 16, 2010

Missing Grandpa 4444

 [Grandpa 4444 and Kyle, 1994]

In honor of today, my father-in-law's birthday, I'm re-posting this brief anecdote that still touches my heart....

Nine years ago, when Kendall was eight and Kyle was eleven, we lost Grandpa 4444 to a massive heart attack. It was a shock that pulled the rug out from under all of us and left a hole in our family that has yet to be filled. Four years later, out of the blue one day, Kendall said to me,

"I miss Grandpa."

"Me, too. He was a great grandpa."

She reflected, "I know Kyle thought I didn't miss Grandpa as much as he did when he died, but I did. "

"I know, Honey."

She continued, "Grandpa gave me some sand from Hawaii once, and I put a little bit of glitter in it."

"Is that the sand I saw on your dresser when I cleaned up in your room last week?"

She nodded, "And I know I shouldn't have done this, but after Grandpa died, every night before I went to sleep, I took a little pinch of that sand and sprinkled it around my room, so I would feel like Grandpa was with me when I was sleeping."

I got a little choked up. "Grandpa would have loved that, Honey."

And I know he does.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Bob. We miss you.

20 comments:

  1. Nice remembrance. Good thing your children are open and can talk about their feelings with you.

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  2. I'm sorry to hear about your sudden loss. But what a touching story about the sand. A different but heartwarming way of staying connected with him.

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  3. That is very sweet.
    I'm sorry that you have this loss in your lives.

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  4. OMG! That is such a sweet tear jerker.

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  5. How beautiful~ Have a wonderful day of memories!

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  6. Wow what a special man...and the memories. okay now I need a tissue!

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  7. My eyes are teary. What a sweet remembrance.

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  8. Beautiful story....Thanks for sharing it.
    Linda

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  10. Oh, that is so bittersweet. I don't think the hole every goes away when you lose someone you love, especially a Grandpa.

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  11. what a very special and touching story. sorry for your loss.

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  12. Such a sweet story about how Kendell dealt with losing her grandfather. That's cool he brought back sand from Hawaii for her!

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  13. You write so beautifully, and I'm grateful that you share these stories.

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  14. Happy Birthday, Grandpa Bob! A sweet and touching tribute.

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  15. awww, how very sweet!
    I love the sand story - it does not get any sweeter than that!!

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  16. I think you are an amazing Mom and have the sweetest kids! And yes you are going to be crazy about grand kids one day!
    Have a positive week!

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  17. That is so sweet.
    My youngest daughter, Elayna, often mentions my Uncle Gene, who passed away when she was still very small. It makes me wonder if he is still visiting, if you know what I mean...

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  18. Sand sprinkles from heaven, how precious is that??? Now I have a big lump....{{{GULP}}}}.

    Have a blessed day girl!

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