Monday 7 January 2008

Happy and Sad New Year

Well the New Year is well and truly now underway and I guess it has been a bitter sweet start.
We have had loads of fun together as a family lately and spent heaps of time at the beach, all three girls learning to surf - they all nailed it too..... but then two days ago my Grandpa - Poppy Duddy as we call him, died. We were told the day before that he was going down hill fast and so it was to be expected but it is still a bit of shock when it actually happens. He was 94 and the last few weeks haven't been very pleasant for him. We went to see him for the last time on Christmas Eve, and Im not sure if he actually recognised us at all, I held his hand and I felt him squeeze back so who knows. I completely lost it and told Dad I don't think I could see him again like that - thankfully God knew that too. All I know is that the night before he died, whilst praying with our girls before bed, we asked that he would be taken soon in his sleep so he wouldn't be in pain anymore. Not expecting the phone call the next morning that he had passed away during the night. Sometimes all you have to do is ask....
What a man he was anyway, I will never forget the laughs and all the stories he told us when we'd go and visit him about him growing up. Even as he was growing older and his body failing him, he still managed to look on the bright side and smile. Yes he grew a bit cynical at the end but who wouldn't being that old and trapped in a body that just wouldn't work and do what he wanted. He often wondered why he was left here for so many years more than his wife (she died 20 years ago).Now that you have gone I know why - you were here to serve others with a smile until you couldn't and then others had to serve you (not that you liked that). Pop you taught me, that no matter how hard things get you can always have a postive attitude. Thanks for all the wonderful memories

5 comments:

Raqual said...

Sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. I am sure you will miss him allot. 94 is a huge innings.
Thinking of you and your family.

Julie said...

Sorry to hear the sad news about your grandfather. Thinking of you.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear of your sad loss. It is sad no matter what age they are. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. If there is anything I can do don't hesitate to ask.

Al Hannah said...

Oh dear Lis *hugs* ... I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your grandfather. Please know we are thinking of you, and that you are in our thoughts and prayers also. Take care my sweet friend xx

Jane Ettia Jones said...

Lis I am so terribly sorry to hear that Poppy Duddy has passed away. My heart, thoughts and prayers to you and all your family. It is very hard to see the ones you love suffer and to know that he is at peace and with his wife now will bring you comfort. Hugs to you my sweet friend and know that I am thinking of you and always here if you need someone to talk too.