My family was blessed to have my grandparents live with us growing up. I can't really remember a time when I was younger that my grandparents didn't live with us, actually. Not many kids are lucky enough to be able to say that. I wish I realized how fortunate I was back then...
It is times like this that my lack of memories causes me so much pain- I wish I could eloquently express through my words the kind of person my grandpa was. He meant so much to anyone that knew him. Throughout his time with us I never once heard him complain. In fact, I don't really ever recall him saying anything negative. He never once spoke ill of my grandmother. I can remember whenever one of us walked into the room he would get a big grin on his face (with dentures in or not:-)) and he would say "hi darlin!" and give us a big kiss on the cheek. He would then ask us how we were doing and then when we asked him back he would usually say something to the effect of "faaannnttassttiiiccc!" even through we knew oftentimes that he was not.
My favorite song is You are My Sunshine and that is because whenever I heard my grandpa playing the guitar or harmonica I would go into his room with some of my siblings and ask him to play it for us so we could sing along. That guitar brought us all so much joy.
I will never forget his sweet smile. I will always think of him whenever Fox news channel is on TV or I hear that special song that is seared so deeply into my soul. I am so thankful for the time I had with my grandpa. I wish I could go back a few weeks and ask him to play me some more music just one more time.
I know I will see my dear grandpa Del again. I believe that families are eternal and I believe that grandpa is in heaven watching over his family right now smiling. He is probably playing You are my Sunshine for my kids waiting in heaven right now...
Goodbye for now to the man who will forever be his families sunshine. We love you...
