Saturday, November 17, 2007

Pod

My grandfather died yesterday. He was almost 88 years old.
My sister and I always called him 'Pod', never 'Paw-Paw' or 'Grandpa'.
When my sister was born, he was 47 and said he was too young to be a 'Grandpa'.
He asked her to call him 'Podnuh' (Cajun for 'partner', friend, goodfella, you get my drift).
She couldn't say it so she called him 'Pod'. It stuck.

I admired him more than just about anyone I can think of.
He dedicated so much of himself to his community and his church.
His family was very important to him.
He raised my dad which says so much right there b/c my dad was such a great man.

When I was little, all I can remember is him making me laugh.
He'd had Alzheimer's for the past 5 years or so.
The past couple of years, most days, he didn't know me.
Every now and then he did and that made me feel so happy.

I know that he's where he should be now.
With his wife and his son; the two people he loved more than anything else.
I'll miss him though.

Pod (1920 - 2007)

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Renee. My prayers are with your and your entire family.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Suzanne said...

I'm so sorry, Renee. Your grandfather sounds like a remarkable man.

Sarah said...

I am so sorry for you lose Renee. Your Pod, sounds like he was such a great man.

My grandmother died before Anna was born. She also had Alzheimers for as long as I can remember her. It was sad, but the good days were great.

hollibobolli said...

Renee, I'm so sorry. Poppy's father had Alzheimer's too. It's such a heartbreaking thing - I wish I could give you a big hug. Pod sounds like the best. I'm really glad he was in your life for so long. All of my grandparents died when I was so young... I barely remember.

I'll be thinking of you.

PJ said...

What lovely memories of a loving, giving Grandfather! My condolences on your loss. Will pray for you and your family.

kristi said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Sounds like you have some great memories.

Tiffany said...

Sorry to hear the bad news. Glad he remembered you some days and gave you good memories.

laura capello said...

I'm so sorry Renee. I know losing my only grandfather was really difficult for me. I'm thinking of you.

Teri said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Renee.

He's like a good guy!

BlondeMomBlog (Jamie) said...

Renee:

I'm sending you and your family a big hug. I'm so sorry you lost your grandfather, but he sounds like a wonderful man and I know you are thankful you and your family had many years to share with him. But still, that doesn't make it hurt any less.

Jamie

Greta Adams said...

i am sorry for your loss renee!!
my prayers are with you and your family

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss. Your Pod sounds like a great man!

Rachel said...

I am terribly sorry for your loss. It is so hard.
You and yours are in my prayers.

chesneygirl said...

Oh Renee, I am so so sorry!!!
(and I feel like an a$$ for being so late with this)

My grandpa died almost 8 year ago.
I was so very close to him. I miss him so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him.

Hopefully all the wonderful memories you have of him are making it just a little bit easier for you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

clew said...

Hi Renee ... Hopping over from Ches's blog to say hello. So sorry about your Pod (that's cute). I've lost all my grandparents and miss them all dearly.

It's funny, both my grandma's were "Grandma", but my grandfathers were "Gramps" and "Hi-Chief". I guess because Grandpas are extra special to little girls, they often get special names :).

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving ~

Laurie said...

Renee,

I'm so sorry. I lost my grandfather a few years ago, and I still miss him.

Keeping you in my prayers.

Anne said...

oh Renee, I am so sorry for this great loss. How lucky we are to have known these good men.