#20: An Ode to Grandpa
Thank you Grandpa, you lived a good life.
Last weekend, we buried my maternal grandfather - the first of my 4 grandparents to be buried.
I lived with my grandparents during my national service year, and spending time with them gave me a whole different perspective on life, love, marriage, friendship, family, and work. 10 years later, I found it really hard to come to terms with who he had become.
Frail and helpless, his body slowly giving way to age-related conditions that couldn’t be cured. He was sick for a while, so we all sort of expected this. Nonetheless, it’s not been as easy to let go.
It was the first time I saw my grandmother cry. How do you come to terms with losing your husband of youth. Over 60 years of marriage, and I can only imagine how much they’ve been through all those years, bearing children, meeting grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Reading her tribute made (makes) my cry.
My Grandpa lived a rich life. A life worth emulating. I was assigned to draft his biography, pulling content from several sources, and I couldn’t help but be inspired. Everywhere he went, he left a mark. He sowed, he gave, he helped, he served, he pulled up, he made an impact. Living without Grandpa truly takes courage.
So this one is to you Grandpa, you lived a good life.
Even this note is so apt because you were born on April 20th (a date that’ll forever be dear to my heart). Thank you for being such an example to emulate!
Here’s #Note20.
It's going to be one year since we lost my grandfather on the 30th of October. I feel your pain as I haven't gotten over the death of my grandpa yet. We were so close, I was his first grandchild and my school (Uni) is close to his house. Even at the point of death, this man treated me like the baby no one treats me like anymore.
I almost cried while I read your letter but it made me smile in the end. To those of us here, let's continue to live well. Sending you love Wamide.
I just had to.
I'm sorry you lost your grandpa, never met any of mine but it's sad to lose anyone. I hope you express your emotions but you're also gentle with yourself. I pray your entire family feels warmth when the memory of Grandpa John sweeps through their mind. Godspeed.
P. S, I'm a huge fan of your notes. Thank you Wamide for always sharing.