Goodbye Grandpa | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Goodbye Grandpa

I'll love you forever

50
Goodbye Grandpa
My dad

Tuesday night, December 6th my dad Facetimed me. I had this ridiculous facemask on and we laughed and joked about how I looked like Hannibal Lector. As the conversation ended, my dad mentioned that his dad, my Grandpa, was in the hospital and wasn't looking so good. He had his ups and downs the past few years, but nonetheless he always bounced back. That night I went to bed. Something felt off, but I couldn't place my finger on what it was. My dad called me at 7 the next morning and told me my Grandpa had passed. I just couldn't believe it. There had been times where he was doing much worse, and he always came back. I felt off the next day and talked to my brother who also said he had had a funny feeling that night, and when the phone rang late that Tuesday night he knew. My Grandpa was this really amazing person. He was genuinely kind to everybody that walked through the doors of his home. He always had the same goofy smile on his face and never seemed angry or unhappy; all of my dad’s siblings knew that my Grandpa was very humble and never asked for more. He was incredibly hard working and was always willing to help others. I remember that when my family would go out to visit my grandparents, my Grandpa always made sure my brother and I had a few dollars to buy some candy and ice cream on the journey back. He was always willing to play wiffle-ball with my cousins and I, and he would jokingly call anyone who dropped the ball "butterfingers".

Recently I read through this book my dad and siblings had written of stories from childhood. My Grandfather was always willing to coach various sports that his children played throughout the years and was always so encouraging. If there was any injustice his kids faced, he made sure to stand up for them and ensure the wrong was righted. He loved "Walker Texas Ranger" and keeping an eye on his neighborhood. At the funeral service so many people came from near and far because he was such a kind person. I was in awe of all of the wonderful stories these people had about my Grandpa.

A special memory I have is when I had to interview a veteran for my New Mexico History Class freshman year of high school. I called him up and learned not only about his time in Panama with Grandma and their first born, Thomas, but how he had met my Grandma. He told me that when he was sick in the hospital, she was his nurse and that he thought she was so beautiful and kind. He had to ask her out! They ended up dating and getting married a little while later. I later learned that their wedding was actually held during a regular weekday Mass so some of the people in the pictures were just regular parishioners. On their wedding day they looked so happy! My Grandma moved with him to Panama where they stayed for two years.

My Aunt Karen spoke at the funeral about what character traits each of his nine children had inherited (his love of weather, sports, and in my dad’s case making fun of how many times he went back to school to become a nurse practitioner). Throughout the speech, she talked about the fact that their dad never complained about his job, led by example, and did an amazing job of raising them in the Catholic faith. At the end she said, “The world became a little darker but Heaven became a little brighter… Heaven calls all its' best home for the holidays.” I’ll miss that big smile that you always greeted me with. I’ll miss you Grandpa, and love you forever.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15684
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6752
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4982
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4373
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments