Good-bye, Grandpa Wibbs...

[Brinatello]

I C/P'd this from my LJ:

Dad called my cell phone around 9:30 tonight and I already knew what happened before he told me. I was stirring my soup quietly, letting him talk, and all of a sudden, food didn't sound so good anymore. He said that he passed away around 3 p.m. this afternoon. I was clocking in to work at that time. He said it was a mixture of his body finally shutting down and losing all strength. He went very peacefully.

I told him my cell phone battery was low and he needed to call the house phone. After he hung up, I went to Mom and we had a good cry. Christine took the call and talked to him, soon laughing to our surprise! With my dad, even in a situation as this, he can make light of it. He was saying stuff like, "Good April Fool's Day trick huh? Wibbs really got up, walked out, hailed a cab, and went home!" He acted the same way when Grandpa Bob died and it was actually a relief. Dad's very upset, of course, but he shows it in a weird way.

Our Grandma Betty was at his side when he went. She almost wasn't because she was leaving to go home, but decided to go back inside and stay with him a little longer. He knew who she was to the very end. I was glad to hear she was there. The thing I'm upset about was how we kept avoiding to go see him. It wasn't deliberate. Christine got sick a lot from the stomach virus and she didn't want to give him anything to make things worse. I had a lot of flu-like symptoms that would not be a good idea to spread around. Dad understood and he said he didn't like to go because it was hard to see him the way he was. He mentioned that he's been asked to write the eulogy for the funeral. That should be a hoot, coming from him. The funeral is next Wednesday at 10 a.m. and I know I already have that day off. Christine and I plan to go but Mom has a medical appointment that she can't change. She said she'd feel out of place, anyway. This is Dad's side of the family and they've been divorced for many years.

So...oh, no, Christine's getting out the old photo albums. *choke* I'm just kind of sitting here feeling sad and a bit guilty. We could have gone to see him on one of the days I had off this week. The guilt will probably live with me forever.

[moronqueen]

I'm so sorry to hear...*hugs* I'm sure he knows you love him...take care of yourself... *hugs again* Wishing you all the best...

[Leonardo]

I am also sorry to hear about your loss.
I hope you can find healing from your sorrows, and I hope you can remember him for good things that bring a smile of memory, even in your loss.
I agree with HLM, do take care of yourself.

[Brinatello]

Thank you.  The initial reaction is the worst, you know?  Going through photos is fun to do, makes me remember the good times, and there were a lot of them!

[Fugitoid]

My deepest sympathy for you and your family's loss. I agree with HLM that your grandfather knows that you love him. I know how you feel because I wasn't able to be at either of my grandfather's side when they past. It doesn't mean you were avoiding him. So don't tarnish your thoughts with what could have been. Take comfort in the memories you do have of your grandfather bringing joy to you, and you to him.

[Aignatius]

Sorry to hear about losing your grandfather, Brina. I"m glad he went peacefully, though, The best way to go, IMO. Hugs!

[Michaelangelo]

I'm so sorry about this, and I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to reply sooner.  The first time I tried reading this post, my head wasn't doing well..  take loss even if I don't know the people hard, so I'm really sorry for everything Brin.   I'm sure your Grandpa knows you loved him very much.  It's hard to always be there for the people you want to be there for.  

I know there's nothing I can say to take away the pain and emptyness, though you know if you need an ear or someone just to talk with.  Feel free to IM or call me.  

Take care of yourself!  And give your family my regards and best wishes!

[Brinatello]

Thanks again for the replies.  I'm really glad I can come on here and have friends that give me such a warmth of sympathy.  I get the same thing at work.  I told a co-worker about it and she kept hugging me all day, asking if I would be all right.  I told another co-worker and she looked like she was about to cry!  They're all sweet people to work with.  Wednesday will be hard, but I know I'll be okay.

[Phoenix]

So sorry to hear about loosing your grandpa, Brin. But I am glad to hear that you have people around you, both IRL and online to be there for you. *hugs* Take care of yourself

[Danceingfae]

*Hugs Brin*

I'm glad you have the photo's and can remember the good times that you've had together. That's what matters is remembering those. I wish you the best girl!

Always here for ya