Goodbye Grandpa
On August 15, my grandfather passed away in Vancouver at the age of 94. It's been a very busy week, both sad and happy. I have a number of relatives from the States visiting us here so it's like a big family reunion. I'm really happy to see them all.
Tomorrow is Grandpa's funeral so there'll be lots of tears, but also celebrating his remarkable life. He was a civil engineer, a WWII veteran - a former POW who survived the Bataan Death March, a college math professor, and finally, a banker.
After his retirement, he moved to Canada in the early 80's and led a simple, quiet life with his family. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. I will always remember his laughter and his smiles. When I was a child, one of my favourite memories was sitting on his lap while he told me all his WWII stories. He would always ask me how I'm doing in school because education was so important to him. He took pride in what he did and the life he led.
Yesterday, I created a 12x18 photo collage that my family displayed beside his casket. It took me all day to do but it was worth it. I think I shed some tears while creating it, and got me reminiscing and remembering what a wonderful person he was.
This is one of my favourite shots of my grandfather. It was taken during Claire's baptism when she was 3 months old. He was 90 years old and so incredibly happy to meet his "apo sa tuhod" (great grandchild) for the very first time.
May you rest in peace in Heaven, Grandpa. I will never forget you.
Oh Anna, what a beautiful tribute to your Grandpa. Thinking of you today with all you are going through.
Posted by: Heather M. | August 21, 2008 at 09:21 AM
That is a very warm and wonderful tribute, it warmed my heart and filled it with peace. I hope that peace finds you too in the next few days. You're in our thoughts.
Posted by: Erica | August 21, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I am SO sorry, my friend :(
Posted by: angi | August 26, 2008 at 08:16 PM
I am sorry about the pasiing of your grandpa, anna. the collage that you did was very thoughtful. in a nutshell it showed the dynameic life your grandpa led and the beautiful family he must've been so proud to have raised.
hugs to you.
Posted by: bjay | August 27, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Awwww hugs Anna!!
Posted by: Belori | September 14, 2008 at 08:51 PM