Last week my Grandfather passed away. He was blessed with ninety one mostly joyful years on this extraordinary little planet and wherever his soul is now I am certain it's causing some kind of wonderful mischief somewhere. You know I can almost hear his silly little chuckle from here, the one reserved to purposefully have the whole room in fits of giggles alongside him. For some death is a great fear but he was ready to greet it as he would an old friend, and I suppose that's all we can hope for isn't it? It is a great injustice that we aren't all afforded the same chance to depart this world peacefully before embarking on the next great adventure, eternal slumber, or something else entirely unfathomable.
We never know how much time we have here. It's one of the great unknowns before we have to pass on to another great unknown. And it can be all too easy to get caught up in silly little things that seem so important at the time when really they aren't at all. Give love freely, listen to your heart, be patient & kind especially when it feels impossible to be, and always be appreciative.
Each day is a gift and you don't need to do something extraordinary with every one, but you should fill as many hours as possible with the things that make your soul feel truly content. It's not the secret to a long life but it is the key to a full one. A very wise man told me that and you know, I think he was right.
* * *
Your life is what you make it.
Fill today with as much joy as you possibly can.
xoxo
Fill today with as much joy as you possibly can.
xoxo
I spent a couple of minutes writing something and then deleting it because... because I want to leave a comment but I am not sure how to say it. I am glad your grandfather was happy and that he was ready for death. I think that is something we should all wish for... to be ready for it, for death or for the death of a dear person. My grandfather died last year, he was only 73 and it happened fast. Nobody expected it. It is still hard now after a year has passed and I had some hard month trying to understand grief as he is the first person so close to my heart to have passed away. I hope you and your family are well!
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Andreea | http://catsfika.blogspot.ro/
Lovely post Jennie x I'm sorry for your loss xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. I hope you're doing alright Jennie xx
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post x
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written and so true! Sorry for your loss though, it's always hard to say goodbye to someone so close to your heart. xx
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post and a great reminder to live life as if everyday is your last. I'm sorry for your loss though and sending all my love xx
ReplyDeleteSam | Samantha Betteridge
Beautiful words as always Jennie, they are words that do your grandad proud. I'm sorry for your loss, but am very glad to hear that he was ready and it was peaceful. May you meet him again one day - but not before YOU'RE ready! xxx
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I love your words here, and I think that being ready for death is definitely something I wish everyone could experience. It gives peace to know that although it may be frightening now, it is possible to be content with the idea at some stage.
ReplyDeletenueyork.blogspot.com
Oh Jennie I'm so sorry to hear that, but I love the idea of him running around causing mischief! My grandad had Alzheimer's and just before he passed he began to quote poetry that had been his favourites in his twenties, for a short time there was a glimpse of his younger self and I like to think that is what he'd become again, if there is anything after this. Hugs to you and your family xx
ReplyDeletewww.lovedbylaura.com
So sorry to hear about your Grandad, my thoughts are with you and your family. This post made me a little teary eyed, working in healthcare I see life and death every day. I don't think I could have put being 'ready for death' a better way. You always have such a beautiful way with words.
ReplyDeletexx
I'm sorry for your loss Jennie, but I'm glad to hear he had a peaceful passing.
ReplyDeletei'm really sorry to hear about your grandfather. although sometimes it takes the passing of a relative or someone close to you to make you realise certain things about your own life or where you're at and to bring things to the front of your mind like how you shouldn't worry about small things because there are so many more important things going on. he had a great run making it to 91 and i'm glad to hear that he was ready to go and that it was his time. even though death will always be a difficult thing it does make it easier to say goodbye to someone when you know they were ready to say it to you. x
ReplyDeletejessica - littlehenrylee.com
sorry for your loss Jennie <3
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, he sounds like a lovely man with great advice. I am so guilty of trying to make each day "count" and be productive and worthwhile that I actually sometimes think I do things not because I want to but because I "should" be doing something, anything. You've really gave me an uplift and something to bring away with me from this post and for that I thank you. Thoughts are with you at this sad time <3
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www.simplysara.co.uk
I'm so sorry to hear that Jennie. I'm glad that he got to live to a great old age though, and I know he had an amazing family and granddaughter in you <3 I bet he was really proud of you. I'm trying to appreciate all of the little things lately, and now I'm going to try even harder. You can email me anytime if you want to chat about anything too <3 xxx
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post, I have to admit it brought tears to my eyes as it reminded me of my Grandfather. It will be 10 years since he died this year, and I still miss him terribly.
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry for your loss, dear <3 xx
I'm so sorry to hear your news. No matter how ready a person is it's never easy for us left behind. My nan is also 91 and in hospital with dimentia and Parkinson's disease and it's horrific watching her waste away in front of my eyes. She's so ready to leave this world behind and go join my grandad again, and as much as I know it's for the best I'm still scared for that day. I'm sending all my love and light to you and your family at this sad time. It sounds like your grandad had a wonderful life xx
ReplyDeleteBeautifulle written, Jennie. I'm so sorry for your loss!
ReplyDeleteChrissy x
Oh Jennie. I'm sorry. He sounds like a brave soul. I hope that when the time comes I will go with peace and courage. Sending hugs and tea.
ReplyDeletex
Oh Jennie I'm so sorry for your loss. I know there's not much that I can say that's already been said, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now Xxxx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss, Jennie xx
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry to hear your grandfather passed away. My grandfather died last july and it really sucks.
ReplyDeleteYour writing is absolutely beautiful :)
Sending you my best wishes
I'm so sorry for your loss, Jennie. Your writing in this post is beautiful (as it always is) and it sounds like your grandfather had some wonderful advice. Lots of love xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Jennie! I'm so sorry for your loss <3 Best wishes xx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss Jennie, your grandfather sounds like he was a wonderful man! This is a beautiful tribute to him and I could not agree more with your last paragraph x
ReplyDeleteJosie’s Journal
Beautifully written Jennie. I am so sorry for your loss xx
ReplyDeleteIoanna | Hearting.co.uk
I am sorry to hear about your grandfather Jennie xx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, Jennie. Sending you lots of hugs.
ReplyDeletei'm sorry for your loss jennie, you're right we must not lose focus of what's important and what's not. every moment is precious and hopefully we can all remember that more often!
ReplyDeleterachel x
blush&brunch
Sorry to hear of your loss, Jennie xx
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss Jennie, my heart goes out to you. What a beautiful, touching tribute. I know your grandfather will be so proud of you for writing every word <3
ReplyDeleteLots of love to you,
Sophie xx
Such sad news Jennie - but what a great story to tell. I have been reflecting a lot lately, and life is certainly what you make it. x x x
ReplyDeleteSending you so much love Jennie! I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I lost mine recently and I still get sad thinking about it. 91 is a great age! It's funny how older people don't fear death, they are more worried about everyone else than themselves. It definitely made me re-evaulate my life; health, happiness and family are more important than anything else.
ReplyDeleteTara x
I'm so sorry Jennie, my grandpa passed away when I was twelve and I know how painful it is... You wrote a beautiful post with a powerful message that we all should listen! Be strong hun! xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post Jennie, although I'm dreadfully sorry for the circumstances around it. I'm glad your grandfather lived such a long and mostly joyful life and had such a loving family. Look after yourself and I'm sorry for your loss. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely beautiful yet heartbreaking post. I'm so sorry for your loss xx
ReplyDeleteAnoushka xx www.Anoushkaloves.com
Such a lovely post, considering the circumstances. And I am just so sorry of you loss xxx
ReplyDeleteAnnabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
I hope you are okay! I am glad that you are using the experience to think positively of life and truly appreciate what you already have. I have had two deaths in the family this year, my great-grandma and my grandmother, and at my grandmother's funeral I said "though she is gone physically, her presence will always be felt in the decisions we make and the lives we lead. She taught us to be strong, so it is our duty to show the world what she taught us." I hope you can take the lessons your grandfather taught you and pass them on throughout your life. I'm always here if you need to talk :)
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