Friday, February 15, 2008

Pappy's Memorial

Peter's kids and their Pappy last October.
Last fall, I wrote about and mentioned that my husband's grandfather (Pappy) had cancer. He was 97 and the prognosis wasn't good anyway, but because of his age, treatment was limited. Pappy passed away on January 30th. We are sad to lose him, but he has lived a long, full, gracious life and was ready to go, after outliving two wives. My hubby had the chance to sit down with him just 2 weeks before he passed to talk and visit and share some things that were heartfelt and real. He was still very lucid and communicated his thoughts very well. It was a blessing that he lived his last months relatively pain-free and still had a very sharp mind. He was still driving as of the end of summer last year.

My hubby's children, as well as his large, extended family are all gathering this Saturday for a Memorial service to celebrate the sweet memories and thoughts of a life well-lived by their Pappy. He was truly the patriarch of this family. I don't think it will be a deeply sad day for all the family, but rather happy that he had such a long time here on this earth and is now out of pain and in a much better place. We know where he is spending eternity and that is always a comforting thought.

Stumble Upon Toolbar

34 friends stopped by:

Susie Q said...

He loved an amazing life and was loved by his family. That is a true testament to a wonderful man.
Bless him now as he enters into God's care.
Hugs to your husband for me dear Rhoda...and to you as well.

Love,
Sue

Tara said...

You're right, not sad but a celebration of a life well-lived!

Betty said...

Rhoda,
I'm sure he would be happy to know that his family is celebrating a home going and not tears of sadness...Betty

BailiwickStudio said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. You're right - 97 years is a very full life, and when those years have been well lived there are always wonderful memories that keep right on living. ::Jill

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you and your hubby. How wonderful that the family is getting together to celebrate such a wonderful life.
Hugs, Lucy

Anonymous said...

Condolences, love and hugs to your family. But joy comes in the morning! :)

PAT said...

Peter's grandfather was a wonderful man, I can see that in the photos. To pay tribute to him with a celebration of his life is so very appropriate. I know he is missed, but the memories you all have of him will keep him with you.

Our condolences, Pat and Jim

Rosemary said...

It sounds like he had a long and wonderful life.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Rosemary

He Knows My Name said...

rhoda i am so sorry to hear this news. pappy was from a generation that i admire so much. they just don't make them like that anymore. like brokaw said they truly are the "greatest generaton". my sympathy to your family ~janel

Justabeachkat said...

I love your last sentence - "We know where he is spending eternity and that is always a comforting thought." Because of this and because he lived such a long loving life, I'm sure it will be easier to celebrate his life rather than morn his death.

Hugs!
Kat

Jennifer said...

Rhoda, I am sorry for your family's loss. What a wonderful life "Pappy" must have lived and I am sure his legacy will be one to treasure. Celebrating his life will be a comfort to those who loved him most. It is so great that the family can come together for such an event.
Many Blessings to you,
Jen

Cottage Contessa said...

I'm sorry for your family's loss of this dear, amazing man. Hugs for you.
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

Adrienne said...

Rhoda -
It's hard to lose a wonderful person no matter their age. My prayers are with you and the family as you gather to share his life and the love each one had for him and from him. Thankfully he had a long, good life.
~Adrienne~

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that, but it sounds like he had a long and wonderful life! What wonderful memories you all must share!

Hugs to your family,

Manuela

Jen said...

I'm sending you hugs for your weekend...losing someone we love is so hard..

Niesz Vintage Home said...

I'm so sorry for you and our family's loss. It sounds like he had a very rich and rewarding life surrounded by family and friends.

Truely a blessing.

Kimberly :)

Rosie's Whimsy said...

My condolences, Rhoda. Sounds like you have a treasure trove of memories....that is a most valuable legacy. ((hugs)) Rosie

Anonymous said...

HI Rhoda
I am so glad that you have the comfort of knowing where his spirit is! There is a party in heaven upon each new arrival. I am sure of it!
xoxo
Diane

Rebecca E. Parsons/Cre8Tiva said...

a celebration of life is always a blessing...will be thinking of you all...i have missed visiting you...hugs, r

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a wonderful memorial post. I will be thinking about Pappy and your family today.
Penny

Sandi McBride said...

A celebration of life...it sounds like a wonderful event that will be filled with memories. I'm sure Peter's Pappy would approve
hugs
Sandi

Unknown said...

Hi Rhoda,

I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like he lived a long and full life. Take care.

Hi! I'm Michelle said...

Knowing where he is spending eternity is a comforting thought. Prayers and love for your family as y'all remember and celebrate Pappy. :)

LivingTheLife said...

What a lovely tribute to your husbands Pappy. I know it will be a heartfelt tribute...because of all that loved him. I was also surprised by the picture of Pappy from last October...he did not look anywhere near 70...much less 97! It must have been because of his youthful smile! What a live he lived!

Blessings...
Teresa

Debra from Bungalow said...

He sounds like an amazing person who lived a full life. A beautiful tribute to an honored member of your family.
Hugs, DebraK

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear of your family's loss. How wonderful that you were all able to get together and celebrate his life and will have so many happy memories of him. Glenda

Free Art Printables said...

I ma so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayer s are with you. 97 years is definately a celebration.
Jen R

Jill said...

Sorry to hear of Pappy's passing but, as you say, a long life well-lived.

Alice said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I remember meeting him in your sweet post last fall.

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

I remember reading about this.....I'm so sorry. Sending my love and prayers for your family!!

Elle Jay Bee said...

What a lovely tribute to a man who was obviously very special to you and your family.

My condolences,
Linda
xoxo

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

I'm sorry for your family's loss. :(

Sue said...

So sorry to hear of your Grand Father In Laws passing. What a wonderful long life he lived. Blessings to you and your family.

willzmom said...

So sorry for your loss, but what a blessing to have known such a wonderful man.