Last Friday morning, my grandfather died. He was 92. He came to Canada by ship and landed at Pier 21 when he arrived in Halifax. He began his new life here in Toronto, and then brought his family over once he was established a year later. He was a hard worker. He loved to grow fruit. He will be missed greatly by all of us who knew him well.
A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says
She is gone.
Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large now as when I last saw her. Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her.
And just at that moment, when someone at my side says she is gone, there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon and other voices take up a glad shout -There she comes!
That is what dying is.
An horizon and just the limit of our sight.
Lift us up O Lord, that we may see further.
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free
~Bishop Brent
***
Miss me a little - but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me - but let me go
For this is a journey that we must all take
And each must go alone
It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home
When you are lonely, and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me - but let me go
~Anonymous
My Grandpa doesn't want a large funeral. Immediate family only, and no parties! (He was a very practical guy.) He came to Toronto, Canada in the early '50's from Portugal to make a better life for his three children and his wife.
On Friday morning my beloved Grandpa quietly went to a new place, a better place. Those who went before him must have seen him walking towards them and I can only imagine their joy! To see his handsome face once again. Why I'm sure my Grandma clasped her hands together and then over her mouth all the while talking a mile a minute in Portuguese. And I am most sure that they are together again, walking along that beach on a most glorious balmy day.
Til we meet again, Grandpa. I hold the fondest of memories in my heart that no one can diminish or take away.
I love you.
xoxo
My deepest condolences to you and your family. He sounds like a man that was loved. That is all we can ask for or want in the end. May he rest in peace.Love, hugs and kisses to you and your dad.
xoxo
Posted by: Lisa | January 29, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Beautiful. Peace and comfort and a wellspring of memories to you. Much love xo
Posted by: Tanya | January 30, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Grandpa's are special people in our lives. Treasure the memories, as I am sure you will. My grandpa like to grow fruit too. What a very special man you had in your life. Hugs! You will miss him, I am sure.
Posted by: Marilyn | February 01, 2011 at 08:39 PM
My tears are like the quiet drift
Of petals from some magic rose;
And all my grief flows from the rift
Of unremembered skies and snows.
I think, that if I touched the earth,
It would crumble;
It is so sad and beautiful,
So tremulously like a dream.
Posted by: Dog minding & sitting | February 02, 2011 at 04:33 PM
A very sweet and loving remembrance of your Grandfather....
Posted by: pam aries | February 04, 2011 at 07:23 AM
Gillian, my condolences to you and your family. A star shines brightly above. ::hugs::
Posted by: gloria | February 05, 2011 at 11:05 PM
i send you love.
Posted by: christina | February 07, 2011 at 10:10 PM
This is a loving post for your grandfather, Gillian. It takes a courageous heart filled with hope to emigrate to another country.
I think there is a peace of mind and heart when we imagine our loved ones - especially when they've passed on to whatever comes next at a ripe old age - being able to do the things that they could no longer do in their physical life. I like to imagine my dad traveling to places he couldn't go to during his life.
Posted by: susanna | February 10, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Your grandpa has such a beautiful open face..I am sure he will be greatly missed.
x..x
Posted by: stephanie | February 17, 2011 at 06:54 PM
My deepest condolences Gillian. I am sure he was an amazing man and saw so much in his many years on earth.
Posted by: yoli | February 20, 2011 at 09:23 PM