30 Years In Heaven

Tomorrow will be 30 years since my Grandpa left suddenly for heaven and left his bride. My memories of him are through a child’s lens, but here is what I remember:

• Your slicked black hair and rugged tan hands

• How you’d stick out your false teeth and chase us around the house

• The way no one can whip up a feast on a cast iron quite like you (plus as a bonus you’d sing as you cook)

• How there was always a spot for me on your knee

• How you were so excited to be a grandpa that when I was born you bought me a pink bicycle, pretty coat and made Grandma who was a nurse and the hospital staff (not even the hospital where I was born lol) chowder

• That time you fed a monkey your coffee at the zoo

• Taking us fishing and chasing Grandma with the flailing fish “DOOOONALLLLLD”

• That time you had me watch Bambi in your basement forgetting all the taxidermy animals from your prolific hunting career “GRANDPA YOU KILLED BAMBI’S MOM!!!”

As much as I cherish our moments, I can’t help thinking what you missed: graduations, my wedding, meeting my babies and even all the cousins who came after you passed. You were a good man and the very best grandpa a girl could ask for. I miss you terribly.

30 years. I’ll have a scoop of your favourite ice cream (heavenly hash and aptly named) in your honour this weekend.