Friday, December 18, 2009

Grandpa Bucky


My dad just called, my Grandpa Bucky just past away. As of a few days ago, we knew it was coming soon. I am so sad. I love my Grandpa Bucky so much! I'm glad my dad and my two aunts got to say goodbye. About 6 weeks ago I got to visit him twice at his care center in Fullerton CA. For an hour on a Saturday, then I had the strongest feeling I needed to go back, so I went again on Sunday, this time for 2 1/2 hours. I'm so glad I got to have that special time with him. I am so glad I got to spend my whole life so far knowing him. Without even aspiring, we was the coolest Grandpa. He was quiet, but fun. Smart, but not cocky. Talented, but humble. He lived his life to help my Grandma Kay and his 3 kids. Family was priority to him. He was a hardworker, always fixing or building things. He was a Marine. He made the best peanut brittle in the world. For all of his grandkids he was so generous, especially around our birthday and christmas. He was a game player... cards, dominos, cribbage, or just making them up for us kids. When we'd visit him in Long Beach, he'd always have the hot tub ready for us. After a long day at Disneyland, he and Grandma would be there at the end to ride the train with us. He loved good music and has the biggest 8 track collection I know of. When he'd come to visit us in Utah during the holidays, he'd always be shoveling the snow in his Member's Only jacket. He drove a cadillac (to make my Grandma happy). He'd get mad at me for watching too much TV (and I did). He's a Jersey Boy. He helped me understand the phrase "there's always room for dessert". He'd always have an Odules with his spaghetti. He'd take me to Dodger games and shell peanuts together. My Grandma and him would always talk to me on the phone together. I know he enjoyed being a grandpa.

When I was with him 6 weeks ago, I got to help feed him. I looked down at his tray and on a little card it said what he liked to eat for each meal. I noticed that for breakfast it said "cold cereal with bananas". The bananas had to be IN the cereal. Because of my grandpa, I love that too. I love a lot of things because of my grandpa.

Although my grandpa never totally believed in an eternal family and that we will all be together again one day, I do. I know he is with the person he loved most of all right now, my grandma. I know I will be with them again one day. I miss those two. My reunion with them will be an exciting one.

It's difficult to sum up a grandpa you love so much, and I know I could write so much more. But I think that is all I have in me right now because I can't stop crying. I love you Grandpa Bucky!

8 comments:

Hayley said...

That was really sweet, Tiff! Love you!

Lindsey said...

You've got me crying, too. I love you, Tiff. I'm there with you... you said it beautifully.

Darren said...

Tiff-

Funny, but I have all of those exact same memories. I loved Grandpa and am and always was proud to be his grandson and I always hoped I made him proud to have a good grandson. I too believe that grandma and grandpa will be with us forever, because without them we wouldn't be here today!

Laurel said...

So sorry Tiffany. You truly had a very sweet Grandfather. He sounds like he was a true blessing to you.

Kailing Krew said...

Tiff,
What a beautiful tribute to your Grandpa, thank goodness for our knowledge, and what a great reunion it'll be! I love you sis!!!

Andy and Kimi said...

What an emotional rollercoaster of the week before Christmas... Love you!!

Brendi said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Grandpa! That is a cute picture you have with him. Its so nice that you have a ton of memories with him too. Miss you girl!

Darla Davies said...

So sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather. I'm glad you got to see him recently and to spend time with him. This seems an especially difficult time to lose a loved one, but the message of Christmas (that Christ came to earth to save His brothers and sisters)is what gives us the hope that we will see and be with all those we love again. Miss you!