"Dont cry a tear for me now baby. There comes a time we must all say goodbye... And if that's what heaven's made of, you know i ain't afraid to die." ~ Andy Griggs
If you have time, please take a moment to listen to this song before reading my blog. It's one of the one's played in my Pepa's tribute and is very touching. Thanks.
Since today is the one year anniversary of my Pepa's passing, I figured for H, heaven would be perfect to blog about.
Today wasn't hard to begin with. We had family in town so we all gathered at my Mema's house and just hung out. Being around everyone was probably the best thing any of us could do. While we were all somewhat grouchy with each other, it still got our mind's off of things.
It didn't really "bug" me until I got home for the evening. I made the mistake of listening to some of the songs played at his Rosary and funeral. It never fails. Amazing Grace done with bagpipes just opens up the tear ducts. I also watched the tribute video that the funeral home made for us. Gosh, I miss that old man.
Pepa was such a fighter. Back in 1983 he was in a bad car wreck that left him paralyzed from the breast bone down. They didn't expect him to live. Usually someone with that caliber of injury doesn't live long. He made it twenty five years.
He was a man I thought would never die. He molded this family. Without him and my Mema, there's no telling where I would be right now. I also had great parents, but my father was also molded by Pepa, so his guidance has been passed down to us. He was strict but quick to forgive. He loved each and every one of us. Just looking at his pictures with us, it was apparent on his face how much he cared and loved every day of his life.
I lost two grandparents last year. I lost my grandmother on the other side of the family in January. She was so loving too. I miss her advice, her warm hugs, her sweet smile. I hadn't really experienced losing someone so close to me until 2009 when I lost two wonderful people within three months of each other.
I know they are both up in HEAVEN, smiling down at their beautiful families. Both of them are in me. Their pain is gone. They are free to do what they want, when they want to do it. Someday we will all be united again. Pepa is able to run free, broken away from his wheel chair and standing tall on his own two legs. Grandma is with her husband, going back to at time when they were happiest.
It has been a hard day. I know time will heal all wounds, but I will NEVER forget them. They were too strong of an influence to let the memories fade. I will share them with my kids so much that they too, will feel as if they knew them personally. They are with me every single day, through the bad times and the good.
Rest in Peace
Margaret Lorraine Barrett Triggs October 9, 1933 - January 21, 2009
Troy "Pepa" Junior Tate June 16, 1932 - April 11, 2009
Sunday, April 11, 2010
H - Heaven
Posted by ModernDayDrifter at 9:05 PM
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8 comments:
Sending you (((hugs))). It's great that you have such wonderful memories of your grandparents.
A lovely song. Will be thinking of you today, Such wonderful memories you must have. Hold on to them
Yvonne,
That's a really good song.
I can sympathize with how you feel. I didn't get to know either of my grandfathers. One passed away before I was born & the other shortly after, but I was really close with both of my grandmothers. My brother and I spent nearly every weekend over my MomMom's, and Nana kept my father's whole side of the family connected.
Eventually it gets to a point where its not so sad to think about them anymore, and all you really feel is the good stuff. It takes a while though. :o)
Hello there, my fellow country girl,
I enjoyed your tribute to your passed on family members. My age is very close to theirs (I was born in 1933) I never met either of my grandfathers, and only one grandma. The three passed on before I was born. My grandmother that I did know passed on when I was only 14. They were talked about so much that I feel like I almost knew them. Memories are wonderful, aren't they?
My empathy is with you. I will be back to visit with you. God bless you, my dear. Come and visit with me if you wish.
Ruby
Sending you thoughts from across the ocean. What a wonderful tribute you've written to your family.
Sorry for your loss, but happy that you find comfort in such wonderful memories. Take care.
Thanks for the thoughtful comments! :)
Losing grandparents is so hard. I still miss my grandmother who passed away in 2006. She was always the one who would take my side no matter what. lol. Unconditional love is hard to come by.
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