R.I.P Poppa

4. March 2009, 12:24 pmfamilylightening

Last night, Farmboys Grandfather passed away. He’s been very ill for a few weeks so it was really a matter of time rather than it coming as a surprise. It’s one of those situations where it really is a blessing. He’s at peace now, free of pain and frustration and going to a much better place than earth could ever offer him. He’s lived the past 11 years without the love of his life which hasn’t been easy on him.

Of course, there is still the grief and sadness and loss, no matter how much of a positive spin we put on things. We were hoping to have a big family celebration over Easter to celebrate his 90th birthday. He has 5 children, 17 grandchildren and possibly 30+ great-grandchildren (I’m not sure on the exact figure but he always knew. Trailer Boy was number 21 and I know there have been quite a number born since then - guess I’ll find out the figure at the funeral).

Lleyton was the first male Great-Grandchild bearing the “family name” (same surname) so his birth was quite special to Poppa. We have photographs of the 4 generations of males. Even now there are only 5 great grandchildren who are male with the “family name” and 2 of those are my boys.

Poppa’s legacy will remain in our family for more than simply our boys carrying on his name. The farm we live on was owned by him. We had the opportunity to buy it with very reasonable terms some time back. If it weren’t for this opportunity, we wouldn’t still be farming. It has really been a huge blessing in our lives and from the day we found out he was going to sell to us (which was a few years before the paperwork went through).

He wasn’t an easy man to get to know. A man of very few words who worked hard right into his 80s. He only fully retired 3 years ago although leading up to that he was gradually cutting back his workload and responsibility.

I remember the early years of our marriage when we’d have nights where Farmboys father would wake us up after we had gone to bed and his grandfather would wake us up before we got out of bed. It wasn’t that we slept for long hours, just that his father and grandfather seemed to operate at the extremes.

In an interesting final legacy, the phone call that came this morning to let us know he’d passed away last night woke us up. Farmboy had a good chuckle that Poppa’s final legacy was one that we’ll remember him well for - pulling us out of bed way too early!!!!

Our plans for the long weekend have now changed but that’s really the least we can do for the man who has given us the opportunity to be where we are today (in more ways than one).

R.I.P Poppa. We love you and will be forever grateful for all you’ve done. Your legacy will live on in our hearts, minds and lives.

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12 comments:

  1. Lisa Walton, 4. March 2009, 13:51

    My sincere sympathy to your husband, yourself and family. It sounds like you have some wonderful memories of your grandfather and he has left an imprint of his life on the future. Take comfort in talking about him and remembering him and his life.
    Best wishes,
    lavendersmiler

     
  2. katef, 4. March 2009, 15:28

    I’m so sorry for your loss.
    It seems like you are already remembering and celebrating his life in so many ways… I hope that continues to give you peace in your grief.

     
  3. Sarah Lulu, 4. March 2009, 15:30

    What a lovely story of the passing of a special man in all your lives.
    Please accept my condolences.

     
  4. Gemisht, 4. March 2009, 16:16

    So sorry to hear of his passing but what a wonderful legacy he has left you and your kids. Thinking of you all

     
  5. jeanie, 4. March 2009, 16:47

    Condolences to you. Losing someone like him means you always get to keep hold of him in your heart.

     
  6. river, 4. March 2009, 19:15

    Sounds like he was a wonderful man who will be missed very much. I’m so glad he gave you the opportunity to buy the farm you love so much.

     
  7. Lynette, 4. March 2009, 21:08

    thanks for sharing this sad but wonderful story about someone so significant in your lives…that photo with the 4 generations will always be so special to you - do you feel free to share it? no pressure. Photos with 4 generations are pretty scarce these days!

    Pray the time you have with the extended family is hassle free and relationship building too.

    L

     
  8. Kelley, 4. March 2009, 21:29

    Beautiful post babe.

    Hugs to you all. He was loved.

     
  9. Gnometree, 5. March 2009, 14:48

    Sorry to hear jode. I read it in the paper before i read your blog and thought, so that’s why we hadn’t heard from you for a couple of days. Took me a while to get to the back pages of the paper though…

     
  10. Suzie Cheel, 5. March 2009, 23:02

    Hi Jodie,
    What a wonderful epilogue, I love your storytelling and the love conveyed by you,
    Thanks for sharing your love our thoughts are with you

     
  11. Sharon, 6. March 2009, 11:33

    Condolences to you and your family Jodi.

    Praying that the weekend will be a blessed time with family and a celebration of his life.

     
  12. Kez, 7. March 2009, 20:28

    So sorry to hear that Jodi :(

     

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