10/19/2010 17:00
End of an era...
Sunday I found out my grandfather passed away. He was very ill and has been either in the ICU, a regular hospital unit or the nursing home for more than a month now, fighting acute COPD, so as painful as this it, it was for the best.
The nursing home has 5 cats which are mostly solitary creatures hiding in quiet corners in the lobby or napping on pews in the chapel, but they are known for visiting those who are about to pass. A friendly feline version of the Grim Reaper I suppose. Most of these cats visited my grandfather's room within 24 hours of his death. My mom shooed one away saying "Go away! We're not ready for you yet!" My aunt sat with one on her lap for more than an hour Sunday. Another one slept the afternoon away in the courtyard under a tree next to my grandfather's window.
A few hours later, he was surrounded by family drinking (yes, the nursing home let them bring in booze! Friday night they had pizza & wine night!) and joking and telling stories and playing cards. He turned to look at my grandmother and just stopped breathing.
We are all just plodding along now. The wake is Thursday, funeral Friday. I love that his legacy (importance of family) is living on: I think my cousins, siblings and I are getting together for pizza and beers after the wake Thursday.
I have been asked to do the eulogy. My mind is both blank and overwhelmed with thoughts, feelings and memories. Hopefully, I'll wrangle this all together my Friday and give him the eulogy he deserves and one that will comfort my family.
This is a preliminary tribute to him:
With this, I think also comes my last post on EP. I'm sure I'll still pop in every now and then to check on my friends, but I've been enjoying the honesty and openness of my other blog:
http://downsized76.wordpress.com/
So, if you want to pop in and say hi, please stop by.
-tina/Stardust
Posted By: Stardust
10/19/2010 05:48
....
((((HUGS))))
I did the eulogy at my Dad's funeral.
Everyone said I wouldn't be able to manage, but I did.
I am sure whatever you come up with will be an amazing tribute to your grandfather.
Thinking of you xxx
10/20/2010 01:08
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I knew when I saw the title of the blog post and who it was from that your grandfather had passed away.
So sorry to hear this and like you said, even knowing it's for the best doesn't make it easier.
I have seen a show about that, where the cats go visit the people on the way to the other side. Interesting, huh?
I'll miss you here and will have to make a "favorite" to your other blog page and stop in from time to time.
(( HUGS ))
10/20/2010 08:45
...
so sorry to hear about your grandfather :(
my grandmother died a couple of years ago. my husband and sister and and brother and I sang and talked at her funeral - she had always wanted us to sing.
i now wear her engagement ring on her right hand and i love wearing it because i look at it all the time and think of her.
that's a shame you won't be on here anymore - i will miss you :(
10/20/2010 09:38
condolences
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandad. I'm sure with your writing ability you will more than do him justice, and write a lovely eulogy for someone who so obviously was much loved by everyone.
As far as EP, sad to see you go, but will follow the other blog! It has fashion photos, so I'm excited. You've even inspired me to start a new blog, not focused on this bloody weight loss thing, but more life, love, clothes, photos etc. Maybe a bit of whinging about my weight though, for old times' sake. Ha!
10/21/2010 09:59
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I love your description of the love that surrounded him at the end.
I will miss you here. I am not sure if I will get into the habit of visiting another blog...not critical, just honest. Please do keep in touch. Best to you!
10/26/2010 12:08
!!
Big hugs to you, my dear friend, I truly feel for you!! My grandfather passed this spring and it's still hard.......
Those little moments of love mean so much!!
I will miss seeing you around here - will be sure to visit now and then at your other blog!!
10/31/2010 02:32
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I'm sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing.
We'll miss you around here, but I'll check out your other blog... again.
