My Remembrance Day was a strange day. It was filled with celebration, sadness and a trip down memory lane. My husband celebrates his birthday on November 11, and so we planned family activities and a little celebration for the day (it is a statutory holiday in Bermuda) that included presents, candles and cake.
It was also the day that my step-grandfather died unexpectedly. Richard joined our family shortly after my grandfather passed away when I was a teenager. I loved my grandpa (Papa George) dearly and found it difficult to welcome and accept Richard. His death took me back to the time I shared with my grandpa ... walking along the railroad tracks, playing with my dog, travelling, learning woodworking skills ... My grandpa was a jovial character who was always willing to tell a joke and lend a helping hand.
Richard was mild-mannered and quiet, a man who preferred to listen to stories rather then tell them. I realized the day he died that he had been in my life almost as long as my grandpa. It was a strange realization since it had taken me many years (too many) to understand and appreciate that Richard was a good, patient companion for my grandma. Rest in peace, Richard.
(Photo from our trip to Italy 2012)
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