Thank you to everyone who has sent emails and pms regarding the death of my grandfather. For those of you who don’t know he passed away last week while I was on vacation. I was fortunate enough to get to spend a little time with him on Sunday and for that I’m forever thankful. it was a rough week for the entire family but at least we were all there together.
My grandpa was such an awesome man who spent most of his life providing for and taking care of his family. That was his #1 priority I’d say. He grew up in a poor home in Mississippi and when he was 14 started taking the train to Memphis to find work while living in a boarding house and sending the money he earned back home to his mom, brothers and sister. That’s so astounding to me to think of my 14 year old Chris having to do that but times were different back then. He lied about his age to join the Navy before graduating from high school and when the war was over went back to Memphis and started what would be a very successful contracting company. For someone so active and hardworking, Alzheimer’s was probably about the worst disease to get. I know he’s in a better place now. So here’s one of the oldest pics I have of my mom and grandpa. Really brings home the importance of photography doesn’t it. Just thought I’d share, thanks for reading.
Leigh, so sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather. He sounds like a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Comment by Emily — August 25, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
I just wanted to tell you again Leigh… I’m sorry to hear about your grandpa’s passing. Thanks for sharing such a touching story with us your lil’ old blog readers :) It is a good reminder to take a ton of pictures and hold on to them for the future. I’m so glad that you documented our special day, and we’ll surely treasure the pictures forever.
Welcome home & take care :) HUGS!… sarah
Comment by Sarah — August 25, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
Leigh:
Again, sorry to hear about your grandpa. I thought about you all weekend. Please call me if you need anything.
Take care,
Riccis
Comment by Riccis Valladares — August 25, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
I am so very sorry, Leigh. I can relate with your grandpa’s story, as it is very similar to my own grandpa’s. I am sure they are both in a better place, capable of anything now. Many hugs to you and your family.
Comment by Bertie — August 26, 2008 @ 6:14 am
I’m so sorry to hear about this. I know we talked about this while we were in Cabo and as tough as it is, you know his mind is at rest. I’m so glad you got to spend some time with him. All my love to you…
Comment by Amy Martin — August 26, 2008 @ 7:57 am
leigh, i’m so sorry to hear this news. i know how hard it is to process and cope with this type of loss. all my best, c.
Comment by carrie@urbanbaby — August 26, 2008 @ 8:10 am
Leigh, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather. He reminds me of my own. Cheers to his memory, and my condolences to you and your family.
Comment by Amanda Teo — August 27, 2008 @ 7:18 am
oh leigh… we’re so sorry to hear about your grandfather’s passing… andrew’s mom has Alzheimer’s so we know what a cruel disease that can be. you’re in our thoughts and prayers… we’re so glad you got to spend some time with him and we hope that in this time of sorrow you can be filled with beautiful memories of him… please let us know if you need anything at all. lots of hugs and love from us both! - katrina + andrew
Comment by katrina +andrew = sedona bride — August 27, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Leigh, my thoughts are with you and your family. Deepest sympathy!
Comment by Aga — August 28, 2008 @ 6:41 am
Leigh,
I am so incredibly sorry. I have to agree with you on Alzheimer’s being just about the worst. To watch someone who was so full of life lose that is so hard, my grandfather also lost his life to Alzheimer’s. I am so happy you were able to spend some time with your grandpa before he passed away. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Comment by Christine Hull — August 31, 2008 @ 10:31 pm