papa

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Last week my grandfather passed away.

While my heart is pretty broken, day-by-day, as I remember the man he was, I find myself uplifted.

Papa would always ask about my blog (or as he called it, my “blob”). He’d crack joke after joke, sometimes being horrifyingly politically incorrect (which he somehow always got away with), and make us laugh until our faces hurt. Whether he was joining my siblings and me for a bike ride, teaching us Yiddish, or the lessons he taught us on the golf course, he brought us all together while making each of us feel special.We’d spend hours together, sharing the moments that mattered most – many of which were over pancakes and eggs; some of which were spent grazing at Costco.

A dentist (he’d slip us candy that’d rot our teeth). A husband. A father. A grandfather. A role model. A best friend. A renaissance man. Our Papa was the most loving person I’ve ever known. He brought joy to so many people. And, although he is no longer here, his memory will live on in all of us. His success in life and the family that he built is a legacy that we will carry on.

We owe who we are to you. Thank you Papa.

I love you.

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62 comments

  1. Today, my uncle passed away.
    It hasen’t really gotten into my head yet, but Im pretty sure that It will come soon 🙁
    Death is the sadest thing on earth!

  2. Today, my uncle passed away.
    It hasen’t really gotten into my head yet, but Im pretty sure that It will come soon 🙁
    Death is the sadest thing on earth!

  3. Today, my uncle passed away.
    It hasen’t really gotten into my head yet, but Im pretty sure that It will come soon 🙁
    Death is the sadest thing on earth!

  4. Your post definitely made me cry too! My Grandfather passed away in June.. and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever dealt with in life. My Grandpa was, is, and will always be the best (as will yours!). xoxo

  5. Hi Geri. I rarely comment on your blog because you receive so many, but this is the most personal, heart-felt post I’ve seen from you, and I really appreciate it. Your description also reminds me a lot of my grandfather, who I also called Papa (the Yiddish, the politically-incorrect jokes, the candy). I’m very sorry for your loss.

  6. i’m sory for what happen..
    it’s amazing you get to experience all of that with your grandfather..
    cherish the memory always..
    take care dear…

  7. Sorry to hear that. I lost my dad at 17 my grandfather that I knew died before I was 10. I’ve lost a lot of people in my life before I was even 25 and it sucks, but we grow from it. We all have to experience loss and through that loss we become stronger. You’ll cry it wont ever go away because you wont forget, but you will be stronger and at least he had a good long life not everyone gets that.
    Take Care

  8. sounds like your papa was an amazing man, especially to his family. He lives through you, everything you do in life, especially all that he taught you, is indefinite.

  9. I’m so sorry about your loss, Geri. I lost my husband’s grandmother two weeks ago and it’s still right there with me everyday. I hope the passing of time makes it easier for you and your family and you can remember all the funny stories and good times you had together. That was a beautiful tribute to him. I’m sure he’s so proud of all of your achievements.

  10. Im truly sorry for your lose. Your post brought me to tears as he very much sounded like my own Grandfather, who i love spending time with every day.
    Life isnt something to be taken for granted but you should be happy it all happened.
    Im sure your papa is going to be watching over you, guiding you and your family throughout this tough time.
    my thoughts go out to you sweetheart
    xxx

  11. Oh my goodness. I lost my grandfather last summer. It was one of the saddest times in my life, but remembering all of the great times I had with him helped. I wrote them down so I would never be afraid I would forget. Hang in there!

  12. My mom has always described my grandfather like as a person like yours. Although my grandpa died young, I still like to imagine how it might have been if he were around. I hoped to have shared a relationship with him like you did with yours. You’re so lucky to have had someone like him Geri. Be well and hang in there.

  13. I am so sorry for your loss. This year i have been plagued with too many loved ones leaving…
    It is the hardest thing to deal with and to be honest the feeling never completely sinks in. That was a touching tribute and i hope you do the best you can these next few weeks. Spend as much time as possible with family and friends, it is the best help.
    Thinking of you!
    xoxoxo
    alicia

  14. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandfather sounds like an amazing man and I’m happy that you had the opportunity to have him bless your life as he did.
    My thoughts are with you and your family.. *hug*

    xo Nadia

  15. What a wonderful tribute on your blob it would have made PAPA proud .I miss you Dad and love you more than youll ever know!I am so lucky to have had a father like you!xx

  16. I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t know the kind religious person you are but I have always found comfort in the thought of reincarnation and that perhaps that person lives in something or someone else & will change another persons life as much as they did mine!

    feel better soon!

  17. So so so deeply sad for you. You made me cry..i passed true this also 1 year ago(my dad)..For sure he is proud of you and go ahead in this way!!!
    RIP

    Sofia

  18. That was such a sweet post about your Grandfather! Made me wish I had the privilege to meet him. So so sorry for your loss.

  19. I never comment, but I’ve loved your blog from the beginning, and my heart hurts for you, Geri. I’ve lost 3 out of 4 grandparents, and I know the pain well. Prayers for you and your family in this difficult time. Your Papa will always live on in your hearts. 🙂
    xo

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