My grandfather. Or PawPaw as I called him, there was nobody in the world like him. Served in the Marine Corps in the 50s and early 60s. Always had something wise and heartfelt to say. He was one of those kinds of people that got up especially early just to have a hot cup of coffee, read the paper, and watch the sunrise.
This was especially true when he was out Duck hunting. When ever the sun started to kiss our horizon, his face lit up like it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. It did not matter if it was the same old sun, the same old view, or the same old light. Every morning was a brand new experience for him. He was the kind of man that took time out of a busy day, just to call his grandchildren if only to see how their day was. He took pride in every one of them... Especially me.
I never understood why, I never thought about it much. It was merely months after his passing that I realized why he cared so much--I was his first grandson!
Many things can go through your mind when you were around him. Sometimes you want to just sit around and watch the fishing shows with him, other times you just sit there and hope he doesn't pull you outside to work.
He was a dedicated man, a man of true morals, a true patriarch to my life and family. I loved the stories he told me, I loved his little workshop for the motorcycle, I even got a kick out of his tobacco chewing/cigar chomping ways. It was just him, what else can I say?
There is nothing that I can say or do that will right the wrongs that I have done. I just wish I had not been so naive.
...I never would have dreamed of him leaving this world. We tend to grow up thinking our parents, and grandparents are immortal. That they will always be there for us when we need to be fed, need advice, or just somebody to tell us that we are loved.
I loved him to no end! I still do...
With every tear that drips from my face as I write this, I cannot help but find some form of relief and reassuring. Because I know where he is, I know what he did before he took that last breath. He may have not been able to speak it, but I know he tried. Even after that last time I saw him, even after hearing his last words to me "I love you", I know that after I left you that last time--you said it. You gave it all! And I will see you again one day.
Words cannot express how much I miss him, and what this has taught me. I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by his side again. I can only imagine that day, but I know that he no longer has to, and that makes me happy.
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So what do I say