Sunday
Sep252011
It's Done.
Sunday, September 25, 2011 
I knew it wouldn't be long, and now it's done. My grandfather passed away yesterday morning at the age of 93 just three weeks shy of his 70th wedding anniversary. My grandmother was having a clear day, and she was able to sit with him through it.
Thank you to every single one of you here and elsewhere who have said kind things to me over the last few days since I mentioned the beginning of this thing a few days ago. It's been a strange limbo to sit in while I have waited for a family member to pass on three hundred miles away, and you helped to keep me present and connected.
I didn't mention it yesterday, because I didn't have words for it yet. My heart didn't get it yet. I still don't have words, and my heart feels like it is waiting for the other shoe to fall. I don't think either of these things will sort themselves out until I experience proof of his absence.
All I have right now is this: I love you, grandpa, and I'm glad that you are free.
categorized in family & pets and tagged in death, dying, grandfather, grandpa, grandparents, grief, grieving
family & pets and tagged in death, dying, grandfather, grandpa, grandparents, grief, grieving 
Reader Comments (61)
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family <3<3<3
I'm sorry for your loss. I hope there is comfort in his freedom.
I'm so sorry. xoxo
I have only recently discovered this site and your blog. I am not a seasoned follower, but I do want to pass on my condolences. Loss is hard. Grief ebbs and flows like the tide. I wish you and your family peace and comfort as you move into this difficult time.
I am sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. And I totally know what you mean about your heart not getting it. For me it felt like a betrayal to tell people that my grandmother had died. 3 years later, the only time it feels "real" is when I want to tell her something. Sending love your way.
Love to you and your family, Elan.
So sorry, sweetie. Loss of a loved one is just plain hard. xoxoxoxo
Sending comfort your way, and definitely hoping he's feeling that fabulous freedom even if he can't express the relief to you.
I'm so sorry about your grandfather. It's even harder to be so far away. Hope you find comfort in him being at peace now.
*offers hugs*
I'm so sorry.
Concolences, Elan, to you and to your family. It's a hard thing to lose loved ones.
Sorry for your loss.
Much love to you and your family as you grieve, and prayers for peace in the coming weeks. xo
Ah, sweetie. Throwing my love into the mix.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Much love from our household to yours.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I'm so sorry for you're loss and hope that your fond memories of your grandfather help to carry you through this very difficult time. Sending massive hugs!
I'm so sorry. Sending big hugs your way
It must be some consolation that your grandmother was able to be with him. It's very sad.
I'm so sorry. Thinking of you xx
The picture you chose - perfect. A tribute. A wish.
You do this, (write & muse & photograph) with such
thoughtfulness, such tenderness, such love. Doubtless you will grieve the same way. You honour him here, and in the fluctuations of your heart. xo
So sorry. Lots of love to you and your family.
Hi, Elan. Hugs. 92 is a good age and almost 70 years is a long time but it doesn't make it any easier on those left behind.
I'm sorry for your loss. Big hugs.
Love to you, Elan.
Thinking of you and your family.
Sending love your way. xo
Love to you.
I totally get the idea of Proof. three hundred miles is a long way and I would want to see as well.
I'm sorry for your loss but I'm glad your grandfather is free. And I'm doubly glad your grandmother had a clear day. I imagine the future will be hard for her. I'm thinking about you.
Sending good thoughts/vibes, and maybe some early autumn sunshine, light breeze, red leaves, and one last tomato from the garden. Very, very sorry for your loss.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
so sorry for your loss.
wishing you peace.
Oh. I just cried. My deepest sympathies. I want to kiss his head...and yours. Peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm glad your grandfather is at peace.
My heart and thoughts are with you. /hug/
love to you. peace to that fine white head.
Sending love and hugs your way.
Elan,
Sending you love, hugs, and gentle showers of beautiful memories of Grandpa to carry you through the tough patches ahead.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you.
He is indeed free. Hugs to you and your family.
"Grey-headedness is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness."
My sympathies and affection to you.
Thinking of you, and sending peace and comfort to you and your family. Thank you for sharing a little bit of him with us.
I'm so sorry, Elan.
Chin up, cupcake.
My heart aches for you. My condolences to you and those who loved your grandfather.
Wishing you well. Be gentle with yourself, and allow the tears to flow whenever you need to.
Very sorry for your loss.
God speed. Sending loving thoughts.
I'm sorry for your loss - it's never easy. xo
Thinking of you.