November 27, 2024
Chicago 12, Melborne City, USA
Dear Diary

A Quick Goodbye

Please excuse the lack of festive cheer on the blog today.

It seemed wrong to schedule in a cheery post about festive frocks when in fact this afternoon I will be at my Grandad’s funeral. I know I’m lucky to have made it into my 30s with all 4 Grandparents still alive.But that does mean that dealing with this sort of thing is somewhat new to me, as the fact is that until March last year no one I really cared about had died.

My Grandad was my Dad’s Dad, and my Dad is one of 7 children, and I was one of about 14 grandchildren, (it’s more than that now) so when I was a child a trip to their house always meant a house full of kids and lots of fun. I’m fairly sure it’s this side of the family that I get my drinking habits from (though he drank his whisky with lemonade and I’ll have mine with a cube of ice), and we always knew we could talk Grandad into giving us money after a few drinks to spend on sweets and crisps. He also made outrageous promises. He never did buy me a pony.

Grandad

He worked for most of his life at “the Potteries” and lived and died in the house where his children grew up.

My Grandad was diagnosed with Cancer earlier this year, so we knew that it was coming, but when I went to visit a couple of months ago I didn’t really know it would be the last time I saw him. I’d planned to go down for another trip 5 days after he died at the beginning of December.

I don’t want to get all maudlin, so I shall sign off now. I just felt I shouldn’t let today pass without remembering him on here.

Hopefully I shall return on Wednesday with pretty frocks and festive spirit.

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28 Comments

  • LandGirl1980 December 17, 2012

    Thinking of you xx

  • Ruth Young December 17, 2012

    Sending love on this sad day to you and Mr Chick XX <3

  • Nazneen December 17, 2012

    I’m really very sorry for your loss Gemma. I still miss my grandfather even though I lost him when I was 11. In Bengali, there’s a saying that your elders are like trees that give you shelter and shade. He sounds like he was just that for you. Many hugs xxx

  • Siofra December 17, 2012

    xx

  • Sandy December 17, 2012

    *Hugs*

  • Kate Collison December 17, 2012

    He was clearly a handsome bugger. Big squeeze to you and I hope today went as well as could be expected x

  • Tasha @ By gum, by golly! December 17, 2012

    I’m so sorry to hear that. I lost my grandmother last year (my only grandparent to live to my adulthood) so I know how difficult it can be. {hugs}

  • Jacqui December 17, 2012

    So sorry for your loss. A very sad day for you.

    • Vix December 17, 2012

      So sorry for your loss, sending you lots of love. x

  • miss magpie December 17, 2012

    *hugs* It’s never easy whatever age you are or however prepared you are.

  • Patricia Lynn December 17, 2012

    Thinking of you on this very difficult day. I’ve been there and it is no fun.

  • Winsome December 17, 2012

    So sorry to hear about your grandad.

  • Sarah Cooper December 17, 2012

    Sorry to hear that – thinking of you and your loss.

  • Ellen Stafford (@Webkinny) December 17, 2012

    So sorry for your loss. I lost my grandfather 7 years ago around this time of year too. It’s hard because everyone is so happy with Christmas and everything. *hugs* xxx

  • Penny Dreadful Vintage December 17, 2012

    Much love, and lots of hugs to you xxxx

  • Scarlet December 18, 2012

    Big hugs and lots of love to you and your family xxx

  • rhodak December 18, 2012

    Thinking of you.x

  • Vic December 18, 2012

    Your grandad sounds like a lovely man. So sad for you to loose him. Take Care of yourself and your family. Xx

  • Food, Fash, Fit December 18, 2012

    Incredibly sad. I didn’t know whether to leave a comment as I know we don’t know each other, but grief is universal and it’s such an awful time to go through it. This was such a touching tribute to your grandfather, he seemed like a really colourful character! Best wishes to you and your family.

  • Sophie grayling December 18, 2012

    Im so sorry for your loss =( I also lost my grandad to cancer and my nan this year. Its a terrible time all my thoughts are with you xoxo

  • LittleBee (@Daisybeebee) December 18, 2012

    Sending my sincerest condolences, take care x

  • Mim December 19, 2012

    I’m sorry to hear of your loss.

  • jenn December 19, 2012

    I’m not very good with words but I’m thinking of you Gemma and I’m so glad you have wonderful memories of times spent with your Grandad. xo

  • Anne December 19, 2012

    Very sorry for your loss and sending condolences your way. Your grandad was quite dapper!

  • Beverlie Stratton December 19, 2012

    Sorry for your loss hun xx

  • Kim December 19, 2012

    *huge hugs* sorry to hear about your sad loss. Your Grandad looks like a very dapper chap, it was nice reading your words about him. Take care lovey, thinking of you xxx

  • simone December 22, 2012

    I hope you are ok. My thoughts are with you x

  • Candy Barr December 27, 2012

    So sorry to hear about your loss during the holiday season, Gemma . . .

    Your New Fan, Urla (San Jose, CA)

Comments are closed.