PatricksMom Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 (edited) My beloved grandfather passed away last Thursday. In a way, it was a blessing because the last 2 weeks of his life were painful and he wanted it to be over. But since he was an incredible dog lover, and because GTers have been so supportive, it seemed appropriate to post a rememberence here, a bit from the Eulology I delivered and a bit about dogs. My grandfather taught me many things, to manage my money wisely, a good work ethic, how to have a loving and respectful marriage (of 58 years), but most importantly he taught me compassion. When I married my husband, my grandfather embraced him fully as another grandson, and over time he shared many stories with him that were too painful to share with me. One of the ones I learned, was of the time when he lived on the streets, at 14. An amazing couple, lured him in by bringing him candy, and kept him and raised him as their own. When I learned this, it all of a sudden made another of my grandfather's habbits make more sense. My grandfather loved sales, and two-for-one bargains, and whole sale clubs. And he would buy all this food, often food he didn't need, and donate it to the church food pantry. Maybe not that significant, who here hasn't done that. But he went a step further. With his donations, he always added a few bags of candy. Because, he said, no child, no matter how poor their parents, should go without some candy now and then. And this was who my grandfather was my entire life. A man who experienced many hard things, but always turned them into compassion for others. He was so proud of all of us, I only hope that we can live up to what he saw and loved in us. He used to joke that he was the best Grandfather _______ I ever had. But the truth is, he was a far better Grandfather than I could ever have wished for. And now, for GT. One of my earliest memories was my first dog, Pippin, going bannannas whenever Grandpa came to visit, or even when our car turned on to our street. Over the years, he took in so many stray dogs, just as he took in stray family members. It's a tribute to him that ever single one of his grandchildren who are out on their own, share their lives with at least one dog. And in this past year, since he was diagnosed, he has not only enjoyed the visits of his friends and families, but as often our possible our dogs. If you read all this, thank you. This is the closest I've come to processing my loss so its a bit in-articulate. Edited August 16, 2008 by PatricksMom Quote Beth, Petey (8 September 2018- ), and Faith (22 March 2019). Godspeed Patrick (28 April 1999 - 5 August 2012), Murphy (23 June 2004 - 27 July 2013), Leo (1 May 2009 - 27 January 2020), and Henry (10 August 2010 - 7 August 2020), you were loved more than you can know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lizmego Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to him was beautiful and heartfelt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greys4Us Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I read your tribute to your grandfather (and cried) and it could have been me writing the same thing about my grandfather. My grandfather was my hero. He taught me to love gardening, animals, to be kind to people no matter what they did to me (I've since sometimes questioned this advice), and he was truly a generous loving soul. I know how you feel and aren't we fortunate to have had someone in our lives that gave us so much. The day that my grandfather died, I received a letter from him in my mailbox (he lived in Florida the last few months of his life but we always communicated) describing his garden and what it looked like and what he intened to do. We are both very lucky people to have had such wonderful grandfathers. I'm sure he was very proud of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I am so Sorry. Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 That was just beautiful. Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest moremoney Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jurishound Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 What a lovely eulogy for a man who was so dearly loved. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyTzu Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Beautiful. I am so very sorry for your loss. :grouphug Quote Wendy and The Whole Wherd. American by birth, Southern by choice. "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" ****OxyFresh Vendor ID is 180672239.**** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I am so sorry for your loss Hold the memories close to your heart and he will always be with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SoulsMom Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I'm so sorry for your family's loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Hold on to those precious memories. May God bless you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FrostyBottoms Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 That made me cry....how lucky you are to have had such a wonderful Grandfather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SusanP Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I'm sorry that your grandfather has passed on, but I'm glad that you had such a wonderful man in your life. The love never goes away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LolasMom Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I am so sorry...Never forget; Where ever you go...he is one step behind you always. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BlackandBrindle Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss. I know what it means to lose someone so special. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pipi5 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I never knew either of my grandfathers, but your tribute reminded me of my daddy. Thank you for sharing it with me today. Its comforting to know he's in heaven watching over me today. I'll bet he's caught up with my dad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 That was a beautiful tribute to your Grandfather. I'm so sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest yipee372 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 You wrote a wonderful tribute! I am sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandysMom Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I'm sorry for your loss. Quote Beverly. Missing my happy toy-flinging boy Sammy (Where's Mandrill), (8/12/2009-9/30-2021) Desperately missing my angel Mandy (BB's Luv) [7/1/2000 - 9/18/2012]. Always missing Meg the Dalmatian and Ralph Malph the Pekeapoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytlady94 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I am so sorry. He knew you loved him and that you learned from him, and that knowledge is certain to have given him great joy. Quote Greyhound angels at the bridge- Casey, Charlie, Maggie, Molly, Renie, Lucy & Teddy. Beagle angels Peanut and Charlie. And to all the 4 legged Bridge souls who have touched my heart, thank you. When a greyhound looks into you eyes it seems they touch your very soul. "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more then he loves himself". Josh Billings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Aggie94 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounded wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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