Farewell Grandpa

On the way to dropping off the kids at school this morning, my dad called me to tell me that my grandpa had passed away. Luckily the kids were already at school because I broke down crying. Wencil Andrulewicz is my paternal grandfather and he was 92 1/2 years old. The picture above is of him, my father, Jim, and Mason, when he was 6 months old. That is the last time I saw Grandpa.

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It's amazing how life takes you away, how time flies and you think, oh, I'll do that tomorrow. I'll call my grandpa tomorrow. I'll remember to send him a card on his birthday this year. I'll remember to tell him that I love him. Even though I didn't talk to him or see him very often, I never imagined that he wouldn't be there. That my crazy grandpa who loves to hang out in his garage and play with nuts and bolts, that gets yelled at by my grannie every day and that just a few months ago bought a brand new car, that that sweet old man might someday be gone.

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My grandparents celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this last Saturday. I may not have not understood their relationship but how can you not respect one that has lasted that long.

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Grandpa used to insist that my name was Amelia Josephine rather than Amy Jo. He loved me and I loved him.

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My dad said that when they had to leave my grandpa at the funeral home, he told Grannie that she should say goodbye to Grandpa as they would have to leave soon. Grannie went up, kissed Grandpa on the forehead and whispered, "Wencil, why did you leave me?" Then walked away.

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I will miss you, Grandpa. I love you.