Contrasts

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.  Not only the opening line to a famous book, this descriptor fit October 26, 1983 for this Grandpa.  Word was received that my Father died suddenly and the world as I knew it changed.  Daddy was my rock, my stability.  He had always been with me and suddenly, was gone.  We had just spent a week with Mom and Dad at the beach, walking swimming, fishing, laughing, reading books to our children…and he was gone, in an instant.  I was devastated, lost, and grieving.  How could I continue to live a normal life?
Daddy was thirty years older than me and the past 30 years had always brought an introspective look each October 26.  I knew that one year, I would be my Father’s age…and this is the year, this is the day; an anniversary that has been dreaded and thought about through the years.  I miss my Daddy even after 30 years.

Speaking of contrasts, it was the best of times when Grandson made me a Grandpa on October 26.  Suddenly, the date had life significance.  No longer was the date celebrated for a life taken, it became a birthday celebration for new life and I think Daddy would much rather we celebrate the day with cake and ice cream.  I love and miss you Daddy….Happy Birthday Grandson!

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