Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Generations

Last week Karen and I were finally able to take Tom up to meet his great granddad. As some of you will know my granddad has been recovering from a recent spell of C Diff which had delayed the meeting for a good few weeks until everyone was sure my granddad was fully recovered.

Last Wednesday the two generations finally met. It was very emotional and my granddad had a good cry as he held Tom in his arms. Due to Macular Degeneration my granddad’s eyesight is virtually non existent but although he was unable to see Tom clearly he could at least hold him and we in turn got plenty of photographs of the momentous occasion.

My granddad now feels more at peace and quietly told me that now he’s held his great grandson he’s quite happy to “toddle off” and join my grandmother in the afterlife. There’s not a lot one can say to that – he’s been deeply unhappy since she died – but I did say I hoped he’d stick around for a little while longer. Maybe until Tom’s eighteenth birthday party so he can buy Tom his first drink.

At 87 that’s highly unlikely but you never know. Some people respond well to a bit of gentle prodding...

16 comments:

Daisy said...

Steve...i am so happy to hear about Tom and your grandfather's meeting...it sounds like a terribly special moment and i am glad you were able to experience it...it's funny how those little experiences stay with us throughout our lives and while we forget so much...they remain...

Anonymous said...

Awwww yes, that is lovely. I took some photos of my youngest with his great-grandfather on the one occasion they met - when Joe was 5 months old and my grandfather was 93. Joe loves those photos now - he often gets them out and really truly believes he can remember the occasion. And I think it did give my grandfather the peace to let go - he died a few months later.

But it's funny about old people. When I was a child we used to be taken to visit my great aunts and every year for about 15 years as I waved goodbye I used to think to myself "I bet that will be the last time i ever see them" and I'd be all tearful. But they went on and on and on and refused to kick the bucket!! Hopefully it will be the same with your grandfather. Hopefully he won't take to wearing his bra on the outside of his jumper though like my great aunt Mabel!!!

Steve said...

Thanks Daisy, it was very special and I made sure we got lots of photos too. My mother was also present so I think it was emotional for her to see her dad holding her grandson too!

Nice to see you back Reluctant Blogger! If ever my granddad starts wearing a bra - outside or even inside his shirt - I'll be sure to let you know. Though as long as it's fitted correctly what does it matter?! By the way, I'm adding to you to my list of Top Blogs. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Oh thank you. I am honoured.

The Poet Laura-eate said...

Fair warms the cockles of ones' heart to be sure - I'm so glad they managed to meet!

And like you, I hope Tom's great granddad sticks around to meet him a few more times.

Steve said...

Thanks Laura. I'm feeling all gooey now. Mind you, so is Tom... methinks a nappy change is in order for at least one of us...!

The Sagittarian said...

Aw Steve, thats great. My own dad died when my eldest was only 6 months old and we have treasured memories of that time.

Steve said...

Hi Amanda, yes it's one of those occasions where the happiness is tinged with sadness. I do hope Tom gets to have some memories of his great grandfather... but I guess it's all up the Universe!

-eve- said...

> There’s not a lot one can say to that – he’s been deeply unhappy since she died
I think I must be feeling melancholy... that line set me off...

Wow, that's wonderful... they finally got to meet... am so happy for your granddad (and the rest of you, too :- )).... it's not every day one sees ones greatgranchildren...

per.pri said...

Oh C.diff is nasty... I am glad he is recoverung well.

So lovely that Tom got to meet him at last, a very special and momentus occasion.

This Christmas will be super special indeed...in honour of that I am tagging you. Please see my blog for the details. I know your answers will be interesting so wanted to include you.

:)

Steve said...

Hi Eve, yes having a great grandchild is not an every day occurrence! We're certainly all going to make the most of it.

Per.pri I shall hop over to your blog right now and take a look! ;-)

The Hitch said...

Grandfathers tend to be wonderful (+:
I got a crap dad but two good grandfathers, double blessing.

Very touching

Steve said...

I think old age really does mellow people and give them a more sage perspective on life... maybe that's why kids always love their grandparents and find them easier to get along with?

Anonymous said...

steve,,,,,,,your writing would make a wonderful book, we need a story without SEX in it. i'm so darn tired of trying to find something that has NO sex in it. thank you for your story, it was very refreshing,a little smile, a little tear,a little sadness, alittle happiness, that's what good stories are made of.THANKS AGAIN

Anonymous said...

steve,,,, thank you for a wonderful story, more stories like this should be written instead of the ones that are writen, all it seams that people want to write about is SEX<SEX<SEX, and that subject is getting to where i hate to even turn the t.v. on or get a book to read because all that is in it is sex,SEX,SEX. we more wonderful things like you write,thanks for your story, a little love, a little tear, a little smile , thats what it's all about.

Steve said...

Anonymous: thank you... though isn't just a little bit of SEX ok?