A sad thing

[jethrien]

My great-grandfather passed away on Monday. (I haven't had time to post anything substantial in the interim.) It was his birthday--he made it to 105. I'm now realizing I don't know what the official cause of death was, but it wasn't anything particularly traumatic--he's been failing for awhile, but not from cancer or anything, just extreme old age. Overall, it's a pretty good death--dying from being really old, in your own home, with numerous adult great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild on the way. (It's a pity he won't meet Smidge, but he hasn't been terribly aware for a little while, so this is probably best.)

The overall family reaction, from the folks I've talked to, is not so much grief as just a sense of being vaguely impressed he made it that long.

Rest in peace, Pops. If I weren't pregnant, I'd raise a glass of vodka to you--we've always kind of suspected the reason you made it so long is that you were a little on the pickled side, anyway.

Comments

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

I understand how someone living to that age might be more overwhelming than sad, but I'm sure he'll be missed. Save that glass of vodka for after January and let memories of good times take away the sting for now.