A little over fourteen years ago my grandma passed away. She left behind my Grandpa Lyle who I had never seen sad before she died. I have never been able to understand or accept her death, until today. I received a call this morning from my aunt, she had the darkest voice I had ever heard before and she did not need to say anything I knew what had happened. My grandpa passed away in his sleep last night. It’s tough to believe, cause I just saw him two days ago. I would like to believe that every family has a member like my grandpa. If they don’t I have to imagine it is a pretty empty family. I realize how self important that sounds but I mean it. Grandpa Lyle was the top tier of our whole life. He was the epitome of kindness and wisdom and love. I have spent the day so far on the phone with family, mostly just crying into the phone and listening to them cry back. I can’t explain it but this feels like the first time anyone has died ever. My grandpa spent the last few years of his life moving around a bit slower, but he never stopped moving. When I was working in a usually empty coffee shop I spent my afternoons in complete boredom and loneliness. Grandpa would make the 45 mile drive to see me every day that he felt well enough. He’d sit and drink a cup of coffee and maybe eat a bowl of soup and talk to me and keep me company. And every time a customer walked in the door he’d say hello and make conversation with them. Everyone who has ever known him has thought the world of him and for good reason.
I was talking to my sister and she said something that made it all snap in my head, “He gets to see Grandma today.”
I know he does. She has been making afghans for their couch up there this whole time. I bet she knew he was coming. And she set the table with one of her cross stitched tablecloths and cooked him some goulash and green Jell-O mold salad. I bet they didn’t even cry when they saw each other. Grandpa kissed her on the cheek and they sat down and ate. After supper they watched Wheel of Fortune and I bet they didn’t have commercials and I bet they have the good version of that show up there with the prize showcase and I bet they are terrific prizes. After that they played Uno and ate popcorn and drank Diet Rite.
Man I miss him. Already. But I am glad Grandma gets to have him back.
The Pilver 
So sorry for your loss–but like you said–it has been a long time since they were able to spend Christmas together–and this time it won’t be with a Nativity “scene” but with the real players.
“Diet Rite”–my grandparents also–must be a drink for the elderly. ha!
I don’t know if I am crying or laughing harder. You forgot something. When Grandpa got home to heaven, the door made that sound. You know the one. The one his garage door made whenever he came home. And Grandma called out “Lou?”
Im so sorry for your loss Krissy. I met him a few times in the shop and he was a man to remember.
Oh Kristiane, I am so sorry. If you need anything or just someone to listen I am always here. He sounded like an amazing person. I said a little prayer for you and your family.
Sorry for your loss. I can relate. My grandfather died unexpectedly about eight years ago, and later that year, his wife (my dearly beloved grandmother) came down with cancer. She battled valiantly, even going into remission, before succumbing three years later. I haven’t been back up there since the funeral. It was too sad for me.
I miss them greatly, especially during the holidays. But I do take comfort in knowing where they are right now, and that there is no pain. I hope you take that same level of comfort in knowing your grandparents’ whereabouts.
You said it so well. And—You made me cry.
I feel so lucky to have had Grandpa! I hope he knew this. I keep thinking how we were all going to be together in a few weeks. Joe and I were so looking forward to it! It certainly is the toughest loss so far. After reading your blog, I can hear Pat Sajak, and taste the Diet Rite. I told Joe that I kept hearing Grandma scolding Grandpa’s crazy driving…”Lou!” she would say. “Loooouuuu!” Remember when Grandpa said, “Why don’t you stand on top of the table and shout it out?!” when grandma criticized the waitresses short skirts? Hah! Remember Ice Cream Soup? I am so sad.
Chrissy,
As always I Love your writings but todays could not have been more
special, thanks for sharing your Grandpa with us, what a man ! Always cherish the time you’ve had with him and I’m so Sorry for your loss.
Love to you and your family
i miss grandpa
I am so, so sorry.
What you wrote was beautiful.
You homage to your grandparents was lovely…just lovely, Kristian. It was a testament to the bonds of family. You are right to be grateful for the paternal environment both provided you.
In some ways, you are to be envied.
Sadly, the love and solidarity they felt for each other, for you and other family members is far less the norm these days.
Revel in your memories, Baby Girl.
LK
My condolences to you and your family.
even though its been two weeks and i’ve read it before it still makes me cry… thanks kris