For My Grandfather

I’ve seen the pictures of you holding me when I was born.

I miss the days of riding with you on the tractor when I was very little. Life was so simple then.

I remember when you built the hearth in our old house. You laid every brick like the master craftsman that you were.

Christmas was always your favorite holiday. It was never the same after you were gone. For any of us.

No one ever made a better clam chowder than you did. Still to this day.

I remember the first time I saw you cry watching a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It hurt, but it also made me realize that it was ok for a man to cry sometimes.

So many trips to the doctors for your chemotherapy treatments. But you never complained or showed pain.

I remember saying goodbye to you in the hospital that day, knowing it would be the last time.

I remember your wake. I had written you a letter to say goodbye. To this day, only you and I know what was on that letter, and it was laid to rest with you.

I didn’t cry at your funeral. I was strong for everyone else like you always were. I saved my tears for later.

I wish you could have met your great-granddaughter. You two would have gotten along famously. She’s strong with a wicked sense of humor just like you.

I miss you and I hope I made you proud. Thank you for showing me what a good man truly is.

I’ll see you again someday. Until then.


Comments

42 responses to “For My Grandfather”

  1. Beautifully done, Kevin 🙏
    It’s these relationships that truly define us ❤️
    Thank you for sharing, it means a lot

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Thank you, Laura. This one took more than a minute to write. Truthfully, I can’t even go back and reread it right now.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Wow, I’m sorry. That’s hard. 🙏

        Like

  2. Spark of Inspiration Avatar
    Spark of Inspiration

    This was a lovely message to your grandfather. 💕🌺

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you very much 🙏🙏

      Liked by 1 person

  3. You describe such a perfectly, wonderful grandfather and an ideal relationship between you. Your love and admiration for him is evident in your poem, Kevin.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. He was a fine, fine man, and I wish he had not passed when I was so young. There was so much I’d have loved to ask him.
      Thank you, Mary. 🙏🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I know it isn’t the same, but you can still talk to your grandfather and ask for guidance. I believe loved ones never leave us. We have to listen and see in another way, but your grandpa is right next to you.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes, you’re right. He is there, and I am sure he’s watching out for me. Thank you, Mary.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Very touching Kevin. I wish every child could have such a living relationship🥰👏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Cheryl. I feel very lucky to have known him indeed. 😊

      Like

  5. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
    Willie Torres Jr.

    What a touching and heartfelt tribute to your Grandfather. I have no doubt that he is very proud of you.

    Blessings to you and your family.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Willie. I would like to think so. 🙏🙏🙏

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Very precious memory. Thank you for sharing 👏👏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for reading, I greatly appreciate it. It was not an easy thing to write. Took me awhile. 🙏🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I understand your sentiments completely, as I had a grandfather in my life who will always and always stay in my heart till my last breath. My post on “My dearest grandfather” , I have spoken little bit about him. The true love he showed me, I am yet to find it elsewhere. Even writing this reply sends tears to my eyes. Your page brought back those memories.

        Like

  7. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Deeply moving. Cuts close to heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Stephanie. This was not an easy one to complete. Took a lot to write it. 🙏

      Like

  8. Such a heartfelt tribute to your Grandfather. Your memories really shine, Kevin!🌟

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Sia. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Beautifully written tribute to your grandfather.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, E-Dawg. Very tough one to write, but I feel worth it. 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Outstanding brother

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you, my man. 😎🙏

        Liked by 1 person

  10. a touching tribute to a beautiful bond, Kevin…🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Destiny. Not an easy one to write. 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      1. these ones never are…
        beautiful memories you have…
        pleasure, Kevin 🙏

        Liked by 1 person

      2. No, they are not.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. That was a very moving tribute to your grandfather. Beautiful visual images with deep feelings. Well done Kevin. He’d be proud. 🙏🏼😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Phoebe. I had a bit of time writing this one, but glad I was able to complete it. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Proving yet again that the commonest experiences among us are also the most profound.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. They are for sure. Great moments I had with that man. 🙏

      Liked by 2 people

  13. A beautiful tribute to your grandfather.❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Melissa. This was a hard one for me to get through. Much appreciated. 🙏😊

      Liked by 2 people

  14. Cool relationship you had with your grandfather, lucky man you are!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I was very lucky, yes. Thank you very much 🙏🙏

      Liked by 2 people

  15. Beautiful Kevin.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Pennie. A tough one to write, I must admit.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Yes, I’m sure.

        Liked by 2 people

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    Liked by 1 person

  17. This has me in tears, but in a good way. This is a wonderful tribute for your grandfather.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you very much, Kymber. It was a tough one to write. More than one tear was shed indeed.

      Like

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