I’m 40 years old. I’ve been fortunate in life, spared to this point in dealing with the loss of loved ones and friends. I lost my mom’s parents when I was 10 and 11. I remember them, I remember the feeling of loss. I loved them, I remember being sad. From 1995 to present outside of a couple close friends I’ve been lucky.

My paternal Grandfather passed away this past Sunday. He celebrated his 90th birthday in the hospital. He was reasonably healthy until he suffered a fall recently and the poor man broke/fractured more bones than I care to list. He was suffering, took a turn and now he’s left this world. My religious beliefs tell me he’s in a better place. He’s been reunited with those he’s lost over 90 years. It just all sucks.

I loved him and I know he loved me. He was my namesake, our patriarch. I’m sad, but not outwardly. I feel the worst for my Grandma and then my Dad.

Then about an hour ago, my wife got the call that her older brother, my same age is most likely going to pass in the next couple days. He’s valiantly battled colon cancer the last 4 plus years.

So looks like we’re attending my Grandpas services this week in Elizabeth City and my brother in laws next week down in Houston.

I understand this is part of life and the older you get the more you’ll be in attendance of such events. I’m just sad.

Grandpa was an old southern man. He had that eastern North Carolina accent. Even saying “had” rings hollow. It’s just weird thinking I can’t walk into his house and sit down and talk with him, reminiscing. Ask him about life in the 40’s and 50’s. Listen to his stories. I know 90 is a good run, but again, it just makes me sad that this is part of the show. I guess really just an intermission.

Please excuse my ramblings, just feels good typing this all. I may not be the most prolific poster, but I value the community here.

I love you Grandpa.

I’m so very sorry for your loss. Cherish the happy memories and celebrate his long life as best you can.

Condolences to you and your family, sir, and thank you for sharing his story with us. It is obvious that you really loved him. Prayers and blessings for your comfort.

Be grateful of the time you had with him and the things you have done with and learned from him, it is hard, but the best you can do, 90 is a good run.
My BIL just lost both of his parents within 2 weeks, both in their 90's, Independant living taking care of each other to the end. It is always hard to lose a loved ones, the memorys and joy live on.

May his memory be a blessing.

You are very fortunate to have had the time with your grandpa to fully appreciate the man he was.
Condolences to you and your family. May you find much peace in his memories and the influence he had on all your lives.

May his memory be a blessing!

Condolences and our prayers, cherish those memories.

I am sorry for your loss..

I lost mine almost a year ago and he was almost 93 as well..

Sorry for your loss of your grandfather and about your BiL. I’m praying for you and your family.

I’m glad you were able to spend so much time with your grandfather. One of my mine died early so I only knew my paternal grandfather but he was amazing in my young eyes. Since I was the only grandson, I was practically his shadow when we moved next door on the family farm and he taught me so much while battling cancer for almost four years. He died when I was 12, almost 50 years ago, and I still miss him in a way and the further adventures we might have had together. Cherish the good memories.

It sounds like you had a fabulous relationship with him, and it's those great memories that will help you through the times when the loss seems unbearable. Condolences sent...

I’m envious in a good way of you that you were fortunate enough to have had him around so long.

Had my paternal grandfather only until I was five. Maternal, never did, he abandoned my grandmother in ‘29 never to have resurfaced.she remarried in ‘35, all I can say is she sure could make bad choices, once she died in ‘46 he went back to being a drifter from what I gather.

I wish I could have met my maternal step great grandfather, he died a little over a month after I was born. From what I was told he was a good person.

quote:

I’m envious in a good way of you that you were fortunate enough to have had him around so long.

Me too. You were blessed beyond measure. Pretty cool to have Grandpa around so long, still, I can feel the ache from here. Sorry.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TMats,

I am so sorry about your grandfather. I understand how tough a loss can be.
My heart goes out to you and your family

I’ve dealt with some loss.
I am very sorry for yours.
It struck me a year or so ago, as I attended my family’s next door neighbors funeral (my “other mother” as I was growing up), that I could see and hear her all around me. In a daughter’s laugh, in another daughter’s smile, in the stories we told about her. Look for these things- I hope it helps to comfort you. It did help me.

I’m very sorry for your loss. Hoping that you find comfort in fond memories of the time you had with your grandfather.

I deal with loss by pretending it did not happen. The deceased is someone I just have not seen in a while.
If the wife goes, that may not be sufficient.

Sorry for your loss

I am sorry for your loss. As others have said, you are fortunate to have had such a great relationship. Cherish those memories and celebrate his life.

So sorry for your loss. Grandparents fill a space in our lives like no other relative can. You are lucky to have been so blessed. Your memories will be roses in winter.

Celebrate your grandpa's life, sounds like he was a good man and made a positive impression on you and others. His life deserves positive reflection and joy.

Your BIL's passing at age-40 is just tragic, 4-years dealing with cancer the body can only take so much before it gives. Hope he was able to get his affairs in order and after 4-years, his family is prepared for his departure.