My grandpa passed away unexpectedly yesterday and we're all still reeling a little bit. I haven't given much time to any of my online work, but I had a few thoughts that I wanted to share in remembrance of him.
When Kyle and I first decided that we wanted to get married in Walt Disney World, I was immediately worried about my grandparents. Being in their mid-eighties, they were going to have a hard time making the trip from Napa, California, all the way down to Florida. The weather might be hot, the rain might be hard, the parks might be too large, the food might be too rich...it just seemed like I was stacking the odds against them being able to participate happily in our wedding day. In fact, we almost changed locations because I was so worried about it.
Now, when people ask if I wish that we'd saved the money and had a smaller wedding (especially since I was laid off six months after we were married), I think about my grandparents and, in particular, my grandpa. He spent most of the vacation in a wheelchair and definitely couldn't do everything that the rest of us were doing, but he had such a wonderful time. He loved seeing all of the parks for the first time and enjoyed the parades, stage shows, fireworks, and characters. He had his face painted. He got his picture with Tigger. He bought matching 2009 sweatshirts for himself and my grandma. And, right before we left the parks for the last time, he rode Soarin' and was able to fly over the state he spent most of his life living in. He simply couldn't stop talking about it.
Our wedding was lovely. It was fun and pretty and just what we'd planned. It's the rest of the week, though, that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life when I think about my grandpa. That's why a Disney wedding is sometimes so much bigger than just a wedding. In our case, it was an excuse for the cross-country vacation with my entire family that proved to be the last big trip my grandpa was going to take. I'm so, so grateful that we had the opportunity and if we could do it all again, I wouldn't have saved a penny of the money we spent on the wedding. Nothing has ever been so worth it.
I love you, grandpa.
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13 comments:
My most sincere condolences. ::hugs:: I could not agree with you more about a Disney wedding being a great excuse to just have the family together and have an amazing time. You're grandpa will be with you in your heart forever. Stay strong and lean on your family during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
This brought tears to my eyes and when I read it again to David I couldn't read it without having to pause. What a beautiful tribute to your Grandfather. Hugs & Prayers. We love you Carly!~D&V
so so sorry to hear this :( prayers to you and your family.
My grandmother lived with me from 1985 (I was 5) until I moved out in 2002. In 2003, she passed away. For Christmas in 2002, my family took a big weekend trip to Disneyland. It was awesome. We didn't know she had acute leukemia and wouldn't see another Christmas. We had many of the same worries you did.
And that's why every penny of a family disney vacation is well spent. You never know what happens in life, but you'll never regret making once-in-a-lifetime memories with the ones you love.
This post made me tear up.
HUGS.
awwww... i'm so sorry. i know *exactly* how you feel... my poppa died 2 years ago next week (1 day after his birthday which is i day after my birthday). i wanted so much for he and my grandma to be there is i ever got married.... my now husband, trace, got to meet poppa once right before poppa dies. trace proposed to me with mamie and poppa's engagement ring...
sorry for your loss, i'm so glad he got to meet your beautiful baby. like my poppa with me, your grandfather will always be with you - and i bet there are many songs, games and stories you will share with your daughter that you learned from him.
hugs
I couldn't help reading your post today and thinking of Patsy Cline's "Always". :)
I wish my words could comfort you, but only time will heal how you feel right now. Just remember everything you learned from him and keep his legacy alive in all the good things that you do. Be strongs for your grandma and mom. Losing a spouse and parent is devastating and they will rely on your strength to get through this time. I'm sending you my biggest hug right now and if there is seriously anything I can do or send, please don't hesitate to ask. You were there for me when I needed you and I hope you know I'm here for you too. *HUGS*
I'm very sorry Carly. I know there really are no words to make you feel better so I send you best wishes. Your story really touched me and brought a tear to my eye. You can tell how much he meant to you and I'm sure he knew it. Its so great that he got to experience you getting married and meeting your little one. Hang in there hun.
Oh, Carly, I'm so sorry for your loss, but I really enjoyed the tribute to your grandfather. It sounds like he had the trip of a lifetime when he traveled to WDW for your wedding, and I'm so glad that you have those wonderful memories and photos.
I'm so sorry for your loss Carly. This was a very touching tribute to him. I'm so glad that he was able to go to your wedding- what wonderful memories! My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. Hugs!
Carly, I'm so sorry about your family's loss of your grandfather. Remember that he'll contine to be in your lives through his soul. XOXO
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. We just lost my grandmother last week and my thoughts went back to my wedding too. I'm just happy she was able to be there. My prayers are with you and your family.
I'm so sorry for you loss.
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