When I met Tom 20 years ago there was quite a bit of debate in the family as to my motives. I had just left my previous boyfriend, I was 7 years older then Tom and it would just be a fling I was having after breaking up with my ex. Tom’s mum especially had a hard time letting go. I can still remember that first family weekend away. Toms grandparents where married 50 years and wanted to celebrate so we all went to a holiday house in Limburg. We were together at that time for something like 8 months I think.
And as reluctant as Tom’s mother was to be polite to me as warm and as friendly were his grandparents. There was never any doubt in their minds that I belonged to the family and they just told me to ignore Tom’s mum and that she would eventually turn around. And she did, even though it took us a few years.
Tom’s grandparents were always very sweet and very lovely to me. Two years ago Tom’s grandmother died very unexpectedly. Perfect for her as she literally died behind the stove, but very hard for the people she left behind and especially for grandpa as he lost his mate, his wife and his everything.
And this last weekend he finally gave up to be reunited with his wife. It took a long time, maybe longer then he would have wanted, but he passed away in his sleep quite peacefully.
He lived to be 90 years which is a very respectable age and maybe it sounds weird, but I’m glad he no longer has to struggle.
He had a good and a rich life and it was his time to go…
Farewell grandpa!
Sorry about your loss Simone, but as you said 90 is a stately age to let go and that too so peacefully. Thanks for sharing a little insight about your relationship. In hard times it’s always noce to have angels who support us! My condolences to you and Tom!
Thanks so much Meeta!
So sorry for your and Tom’s loss and what a warm, loving man he sounds like he was. My grandmother also passed away peacefully in her sleep at 90 and really isn’t that the best way to go? And now he is back with his wife. Thanks for sharing your story and a hug to you both. xo
I sure hope that will be the way for me when the time is there! Thanks Jamie!
Dear Simone,
At least you have a lovely story to tell about this man.
I wish you – and Tom – wisdom and closure. It’s hard but remember he’s with his everything.
Knuf!
Dank je wel!
I’m sorry for your loss. Even though he reached the wonderful age of 90, people you love always pass away too soon. My thoughts are with you and Tom. Big hug and kisses.
Thanks so much Nique!
I’m sorry for Toms and your loss of your grandpa. You have given him the most beautiful tribute with your story. And you are right: when life becomes a struggle it is good to let go.
I wish you and Tom lots of strength.
Thank you Sylvie!
Gecondoleerd met jullie verlies. Negentig is een respectabele leeftijd, maar het verlies is er niet minder om.
Veel sterkte!
Dank je wel Marianne!
Im sorry
He looks so sweet!!!!
He was a bit of a character but yes he could be very sweet too..
Gecondoleerd met jullie verlies. Lieve post heb je erover geschreven. Gelukkig heb je mooie herinneringen om te koesteren. Lieve groet, Mirjam
Dank je wel mirjam!
I am sorry for your loss. It is always more difficult for those who stay than for those who leave… He is probably happier now next to his wife.
I’m pretty sure he is Sandrine. Thanks!
Condolences to you and Tom. And I’m glad you have such fond memories of him.
I believe that that is the greatness love one can show that one continues to speak of the people that are no more among us.
Big hugs
Karin
Thanks so much Karin!
So sorry to you both for your loss and comforting to know that you both can look back with happy memories!
Ahhhh, poor Grandpa. Sorry for your loss SImone. It’s always harder for the ones left behind and I’m sure he’d been feeling lost and incomplete for the last 2 years. Remembering the happy times bring great comfort and sounds like you have plenty of those. Sending you a virtual hug x
I think it was pretty obvious to anyone who knew him that the loss of his wife meant everything to him. I cannot imagine how it must be if you’ve lived with someone for virtually your whole life and then you lose them. That must be the hardest thing!
Dear Simone, I’m so sorry for your loss! It’s always difficult to loose a loved one especially if they were always so supportive and you shared a memorable story together. It’s always so sad.
I can imagine that loosing his wife was a sad and unexpected burden for your grandpa to take. My mom was feeling so desperatly down when my dad died and it is a good feeling to know them reunited up above when she passed away last year. It’s one of the few things that comforts the ones left behind.
Wishing you and Tom good strength the next weeks!
Hugs, Jasmin
I cannot imagine that it might at some point happen to Tom or me and we’ve “only” been together for 21 years. Thanks so much!