My paternal grandfather passed away Veterans' Day, 1975, 10.5 months before I was born. My grandma tells me that he "would've just eaten me up." I would have loved to have met him.
My grandma has been head of the family since he passed away, and I think it would be interesting to have some magical fairy show me, in some kind of "It's a Wonderful Life" kind of way, what the family dynamic would be like with him still here, presiding over the family.
Grandma has never even entertained the notion of a "man friend" in the 29 years he's been gone. My cousin Veronica and I once asked her why. She said "nobody could ever replace your grandfather." It seems they were very much in love, and I don't think my grandmother has ever really gotten over his death.
He would have been 86 years old today. Happy Birthday, Grandpa, wherever you are. I never met you, but I love you. Thanks for making my grandma so happy.
Posted by beenie at November 1, 2004 02:14 PM