I have some sad news to share with you. My grandfather died early this morning. Grandpa died peacefully, in his sleep, in his home in New York.
It is tremendously comforting to know that I was able to share some of Grandpa's wonderful personality with you during the past year. It may also make you happy to learn that during his last few weeks he found great pleasure in reading my posts (and all of your comments!!!) about his magnificent library.
Only two days ago I was giggling on the phone with Grandpa as he was looking at the pictures of me belly dancing in Melbourne at the bloggers' dinner. He was amazed at the way modern technology can bring so much happiness, and can open so many doors to so many new worlds.
When we heard the news about Grandpa this morning, Miss Commentbox said "No more letters now." My children have been so very blessed to be in constant communication with their great-grandfather. Grandpa loved letter-writing and there would be something in our mailbox from him several times a week.
This afternoon, Miss Commentbox turned to me and said, "I was wrong, there's one more letter." Sure enough...there in our mailbox...was a small package with Grandpa's ornate handwriting on it.
When Miss C opened her letter she found a small box of eyeshadows, exquisite in both colour and quality, and glowing like a cache of jewels.
24 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear the news. No matter how much we know their health is failing, it's still heartwrenching when the news finally comes.
Your daughter will treasure that last little gift.
I'l give you a hug when I see you....
I'm so sorry about the passing of your Grandpa. What an amazing man he was!
I'm thinking of you.
How beautiful to receive last one letter.
hugs and love to you.
Take care. xxx
I'm so so sorry Eleanor. A big hug to you. I'm glad we were able to meet your grandfather even if virtually. It was an honor.
Dear Commentboxes,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and am truly grateful that you've shared your Grandpa with us.
Sending you love,
bb
Elanor, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Your Grandpa sounds like he had a great zest for life and will be greatly missed.
xoxj
Eleanor,
I've loved hearing about your wonderful grandpa and his books and his travels. What a beautiful man he was.
B.
dear Eleanor,
Iam so sorry to hear of your Grandfather's passing. He was a blessing. One should always treasure one's blessings. Thank you for allowing us the privelege of treasuring him as well.
Dear Miss Commentbox,
may I just say what a fortunate woman you are that your great-grandpa understood the importance of communication. It is a joy and a privilege to be a responsible for bringing happiness to others.
I hope you enjoy your eyeshadows.
:-)
I am sorry for your loss, but even happier that Grandpa was in your lives for so many years. He sounds like a treasure.
Eleanor, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your grandfather with all of us. His love for life was inspiring. I know he was very proud of you. You're a lot like him, you know.
Oh, Eleanor. I can't even quite put my feelings into words. I am so very sorry for the loss of your amazing grandpa, but at the same time, what a blessing that he went peacefully, at home.
I'll be thinking of you and sending virtual hugs from Texas.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've so much enjoyed reading about your grandfather and his very amazing library. He seemed to be an incredibly special man.
I'm sorry for your loss, too, and how very nice to get one last letter. I feel like I knew him, too --
Eleanor,
Your grandpa will be missed here on the blog. Please share more of his stories when you're up to it. (Any man who had a library like your Grandpa's has GOT to have fantastic stories.)
Thinking of you and yours.
xo,
V
Oh MY.
My heart is aching.
Wanna come over to my place tomorrow? I'll bake you some chocolate gingerbread and you can take home some new jams.
How beautiful.
My nana left me a parting gift, too.
I treasured it.
Oh Eleanor, I am so very sorry for your loss.
I really adored getting to know your Grandpa through your beautiful blog.
hugs and love to you and to your family xxoo
Hello darling - I am just catching up - I am so so sorry to read this - I know it was not unexpected but that has nothing to do with loss and grieving him.
He will watch over you - I hope my Dad gets to meet him -
and a special hug to my niece...wear those eyeshadows with pride my girl..
x
I am so sad for you.
I hope that you will find the posts about your Grandpa a great comfort because they are records of conversations that you had with him. I know that you wrote on screen and he wrote back on paper but you both wrote of your love for each other. It was a privilege to be here and share that correspondence.
Take care, Eleanor
Alicex
Oh Eleanor my sweet, I'm so very very sorry.
xxx
So sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like he was awonderful man.
Eleanor,
I was saddened to hear of the death of your grandpa. Thank you for sharing the stories about him and the library. What a gift he has given you.
You shall be in my heart and prayers.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Eleanor. What a wonderful and unique Grandpa he was to be sending Miss Commentbox eye shadows!
How sad for you losing your grandpa but how blessed you have been to have had such a wonderful relationship with him across the miles and that your children had that special bond with him too. Grandparents have such a special and much needed place in our busy lives.
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