So I have kind of a deep post to share today. With Christmas right around the corner and having just spent Thanksgiving with my family, it really makes you miss those that are absent and gone too soon from our lives. It's been 7 years since my Poppop died unexpectedly, but he's never far from my heart and is always with me, especially during Christmas. Everyone has that special bond with someone in their family whether it be you're Daddy's little girl, or have that favorite Uncle you're close with, but for me it was my Poppop and he was truly my hero.
I think when we lose someone we love, we first mourn their absence, but then start to think about everything that they will now miss in our lives. It's still hard for me to grasp that he never saw me graduate college, yet he drove me 3 hours down to school my freshman year, hauled all my belongings into my dorm room (videotaping every step of the way) and then drove 3 hours back. How he won't see me dance at my wedding even though he taught me how to dance, won't be there to meet my first child or even get to be a babysitter like he was for me. As sad as all that is though, I think we need to remember all the amazing memories we DID have and choose to celebrate their life rather than mourn their loss.
I had made this video years ago while going through old home movies and chose a song that was near and dear to both of us. It's only a short clip, but was taken on Thanksgiving and truly shows the bond we shared. I came across it today and well, since this is a blog about my life as well as cooking, I couldn't think of anyone else better to share it with. He taught me to dance, he taught me to laugh and he taught me how to love. If that's all you know in life, I think you're already one step ahead of the game.
So I urge you to go hug someone you're close with today
because you'll sure miss it when you no longer can.
41 lovely comments:
Kelly what a lovely post. A beautiful way to pay tribute to your Poppop.
Isn't that the two-edged sword of the Holidays? Laughter and fun with family who are present, while greatly noticing the absence of those who are not. For you it is your Poppop, for me it my mom, for someone else it is a name unknown to us, but definitely known to them. May you be filled with love this Christmas so that the good times with loved ones outshines the longing for those who are missed!
Isn't that the two-edged sword of the Holidays? Laughter and fun with family who are present, while greatly noticing the absence of those who are not. For you it is your Poppop, for me it my mom, for someone else it is a name unknown to us, but definitely known to them. May you be filled with love this Christmas so that the good times with loved ones outshines the longing for those who are missed!
This is really sweet. My husband recently lost his grandfather and is going through a very difficult time also.
Your post sure hits home for me. Last Christmas was my last Christmas with my Papaw. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend quite some time visiting him in FL last year. I probably saw him more last year, than I have in the past 10-15 years. So it was a blessing to be able to spend Christmas with him and my family last year, just like we used to when we were kids. We knew it would probably be the last (failing heart, pnuemonia setting in) Christmas, but I would have never expected him to go just two months later....on my 35th birthday. Getting the call that morning was devastating, even though it was somewhat expected as he was in the hospital, not doing well. I actually saw it as a beautiful honor and a way to remember him forever....my birthday will never be the same though.
It's never easy to say goodbye, and I knew when we said our goodbyes leaving FL after Christmas, that it would be my final goodbye to him.
He always had this way of kissing me as a kid. He'd grab my face with both hands, kiss my forward, my chin, then each cheek. Saying goodbye to him that Christmas break, I did the same to him.
Both of my grandfathers have left this world, but there is not a day that goes by that I don't realize they are still in my heart and with me in everything I do each day. A piece of them will continue to live on.
May you find comfort in thinking of your PopPop. The video is absolutely beautiful and brought me to tears. You can just feel the love between you two. That's something very special and reminds me so much of me and my Pops and me and my Pappaw. Hopefully, they are all together, sharing funny stories about us, laughing and replaying those fond memories with eachother everyday.
(((hugs)))
BEAUTIFUL!!! It brought tears to my eyes. About 5 weeks ago I lost my grandmother and then 3 weeks after her loss, my husband lost his grandmother as well.
It will be a tough Christmas for both families, but like you said, remembering the memories we DID have with them is what will bring a smile back to us again!
And having that video is something special that you can always treasure!
I'm sorry for your loss Kelly. My father passed away last night ironically. I totally understand the heart ache! blessings my friend!
xoxo Hanna
Beautiful post.
I can relate, my grandmother was that person to me, and she died from cancer when I was 17. I miss her dearly, still, and the last time I saw her was for Christmas dinner - I will think of her, as every year.
This is such s beautiful post. Have a happy love-filled holiday :)
Oh, Kelly... what a beautiful video. Watching the two of you moved me to tears. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful person in your life and I'm sorry that he is no longer with you. I know he is proud of you.
A very beautiful and touching post.
Darling!! What an amazing memory you have. I lost my mom 9 years ago and a day does not go by that I don't think about her and talk to her. Aren't we blessed to have such wonderful relationships in our life?
Take care today...
Sally
Beautiful Kelly! Brought a tears to my eyes!
what a lovely post. love the video too. lat year was our 1st Christmas without my nana (mom's mom). I to think about how my nana will never get to meet my children or see them grown up :(
What a touching post, Kelly. This time of year always touches our hearts of those who are missing from our families. Lovely video - you sure had great footwork together! Enjoy your holidays, full of bear hugs with your loved ones.
Aw, Kelly so sorry. I get the same way thinking about my Mom every year. She passed away when I was 15. Christmas has never been the same since. Hugs to you! xx
Beautifully perfect. I miss my grandmother sooo much lately. I'd give a year of my life to have one more Saturday breakfast with her.
This was so nice, it literally brought tears to my eyes, I'm glad you shared..I ran and hugged my little boy and didn't want to let go. Thank you :)
Such a well said post. Sending thoughts your way this holiday season and thank you for such a heartfelt post!
I can only echo what others have already said--what a lovely remembrance and tribute. And your reminder to pay more attention to those we love is always timely.
Losing a loved one is so hard, and I don't think we can ever truly recover from that loss. But by honoring them and remembering them the way they would want us to is what keeps their spirit alive. Thank you for such a personal and sweet post and for reminding all of us the holidays are all about family.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow was me and my Grandpa's song. I lost my grandpa my freshman year of college on Dec. 23. This time of year is hard for sure.
What a lovely tribute to your Poppop!
Aww that is really sweet, and so amazing that you'll have that video (and many other photos and memories) for the rest of your life. I lost my Grams in August...last Christmas we were shopping for my wedding dress, and she passed away unexpectedly just one month before my wedding. Like you said, I'm so sad for all of the things we won't get to share; but so grateful that she is my hero in this life. Thanks for a really great post!
This made me tear up. I'm so sorry for your loss, Kelly. I love this post though, it's so well written. And it's true, it's so hard not to think about what they'll miss. You just have to remember what they were there for, and those are memories you'll never have to give back.
Beautiful dear.
Very heartfelt post. How we would all like to believe that our parents and grandparents will always be there for us, but sadly that is not the case. Time is fleeting and we need to be reminded of that, so thanks for this post. This is a lovely tribute to your beloved poppop!
Kelly, This is a perfect, eloquent post...no recipe can bind people together better than the singular ingredient called love.
That was beautiful, Kelly! Thank you!
So true, Kelly. My family just lost a 21-year old, beautiful, talented, charming and bright star last month and we're all going into the holiday knowing that she's in a better place but wishing she was still here with us.
Great post, very touching :) Buzzed
Such a beautiful post ♥
So, SO sweet. Makes for wonderful memories.
And so you know, I'm eating one of your DELICIOUS cookies while I type this. Hopefully that will make you smile :)
I lost my father 18 months ago. Every holiday is still filled with longing. But oh Kelly - you did lose him so early - but there seems to have been so much love and beautiful memories to last through your life. A friend told me, "You will think of him often and find him in unexpected ways." I see you are finding him.
What a sweet and beautiful post, Kelly!
I'm so sorry for your loss.
This is such a sweet and very true post. It made me think about my grandparents. I miss them all so much!
Hugs to you, Kelly.
Awwww, sending you a hug.
Oh my Kelly, what an incredible post that is. I'm sitting here crying at this tribute to your Poppop. One can just tell what an amazing person he was. Thank you for sharing and taking me down memory lane with my mom. Fabulous version of Over the Rainbow...sounds like Katherine McPhee.
leslie
A beautiful post! It has been 3 years since we ost my Mom and the holidays just don't seem the same anymore. hug your loved ones indeed!
This is so incredibly sweet! The video gave me chills. I'm sure your Poppop is extremely proud of you. :)
The video is so adorable. You can tell he loved you very much, such a special bond between the two of you. Thank goodness for memories (and videos). So sorry for your loss.
LL
Truly a great post. For me that person was my grandmother who died this year just after Thanksgiving. Her death was unexpected and has come as huge loss for my family. It really does just break your heart to think about all the things you will no longer be able to share/experience with that person....
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