1926-2010
Today about 10 minutes after I got to work my sister called to tell me that our Grandpa (mother’s father) died in his sleep. He was 6 days away from his 84th birthday. I broke down outside, went back in to the bathroom to clean myself up and stopped by my boss’ office but he had a few people in there. I went back to my desk and chatted with Sara until he was free. I had to tell my boss why I was leaving. As soon as I said the words I started crying again. My co-worker was in the office so she hugged me and gave me a tissue and offered to walk me to my car but I declined. I just needed out of there.
In the car, Fiona Apple’s Across the Universe played and I sobbed but not too much because I was driving and I was trying to be careful. I got home and was comforted by my boyfriend and pets and just wallowed. I checked airline prices to California even though I don’t know what the arrangements are. The prices are astronomical, even more so if I wanted to only have one connection. I am heartbroken that it seems that I will not be able to go to the funeral. More heartbroken and regretful that I hadn’t gone when he was well.
After my mom died, we didn’t have her as our connector and I didn’t do enough to keep in touch. He called me every year on my birthday and encouraged me to call any time I liked but I rarely did. It wasn’t because didn’t want to it’s just that I don’t really keep in touch with anyone well outside the realm of the internet. I only saw him a couple of times after my mom died for brief visits that brought us together. One for my Grandma’s funeral (they’d been divorced for decades) and once when I was in California for work and he drove up to see me.
I miss him and I’m devastated that I won’t hear his hearty voice again and his distinctive laugh. I always associated him with Old Spice which he wore when I was little and to this day when I smell it I think of him and his big hugs.
I’ve spent the day on the couch watching movies and browsing around ancestry.com trying to, I don’t know, connect to something that isn’t there anymore.
Rest in Peace, Grandpa. I love you.
Orland James Patrick
1926-2010
Sorry to hear about your loss. He was very handsome. I wish men still looked like that.
I did the same thing when my grandpa died. I suddenly wanted to hear stories about his life, find more relatives, anything! Think about the good times you had even though there may be few. It helps!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Chandra. You look a lot like him. I don’t know if this will help, but sometimes if you call the airline directly they have special bereavement rates. XOXO
Sorry to loss. Also definitely call the airlines and check once the arrangements are made. When Tammy’s grandmother passed away years ago, we didn’t think we’d be able to afford going up to WI for the funeral. We asked about bereavement rates and after the airline confirmed with the funeral home, we ended up getting the tickets at about a quarter of the cost of the last-minute flights we saw on their website.
Oy, forgot the “hear about your” in “Sorry to hear about your loss”.
I am very late with this Cha-Cha but I love you and I am terribly sorry about your loss.
If this wonderful man had a “distinctive laugh”, then we know who to thank for yours; it makes us laugh, stops us from crying, and helps us locate you in a packed bar/club/concert-type venue. If memory serves, all I have to do is stop, stand still, and… listen for that laugh. It is legendary.
You are a great person, love; we all know that and he especailly knows that. As you take your time to grieve and mourn, remember the happy times and what a cool cat he was.
Love you. xoxoxoxo