US Coast Guard
My paternal grandfather was a bit of a trouble maker, which he passed down to his two sons. He had a good sense of humor, and after he battled some personal difficulties he showed his loving heart and infectious laughter with his family. He left this world nearly 25 years ago, but I still remember his playful smile and mischievous tendency.
PopPop was a significant part of my life growing up, living with my parents when they moved into their first home. The in-law suite worked perfectly so that each could have their privacy yet still be in close proximity. I recall family dinners when my dad would frequently cause his father to burst out in laughter, which tended to be a choking hazard. My grandfather suffered a stroke before I was born which left him with a significant speech impediment. When I hear his voice in my memories, I hear him as he was – slurred speech and all. He was there during the holidays, right there to watch us unwrap our gifts from Santa on Christmas morning.
In addition to our family lineage and stories, a strong spirituality was also passed down through the generations. My maternal grandmother (MomMom) was my godmother and PopPop, my Confirmation sponsor. They were such an important part of my life, and when they died it felt like they took a part of me with them. MomMom’s death was sudden and I too young to understand what had happened. As such, I never got to say goodbye. Six years after her death, history repeated itself when my dad’s father died. I stood with my mother and cried, sad that I wouldn’t get to see him again but more upset that I didn’t get to say goodbye. To say “Thank You” or tell him I loved him.
That night I said goodbye in my dreams. I stood in the in-law suite, darkness around me. Then there he was, with his grey hair and glasses. I ran to him and he hugged me tight. I rested my head against his chest and squeezed with all the love I could muster. I told him goodbye and woke without sadness. When PopPop died many grieved for his passing, but our family still jokes that wherever he is, he’s causing trouble and doing it with a smile!
Branches and Leaves 