For Grandad

6/4/2025

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When I look back at those precious twenty-three years that I was so lucky to have with my grandad, I will remember the fits of laughter until my tummy hurt, the jigsaw puzzles we sought to complete together (that I tended to commandeer), and the way that he could light up a room simply by entering it.

His ability to stay positive during his long and tiring battle is a testament to his strength and character; he kept a smile on his face through it all, making us laugh even in the most dire of situations, and taking care of us when he was the one that needed taking care of.

Spreading love and laughter was truly his superpower, and it is something that I will strive to continue sharing every day in his memory.

Grandad was my hero for so many reasons: for one, he introduced me to the wonderful world of Sudoku and spent hours teaching me how it all worked. I've lost count of the amount of puzzle books that I stole from him (whilst he was trying to complete them).

He was also the only person I've ever met who matched my love of ice cream, and that's saying a lot. Come rain or shine, hot or cold, full or hungry, Grandad and I are getting that ice cream for dessert - it's the best part of the meal.

But most importantly, Grandad showed me what unconditional love is.

I grew up with the tales of my Grandparents' epic love story and they will always top anything I could possibly read in any fairytale.

I have never seen a love more pure and unwavering, and a bond so strong that it reached six decades, continuing to live on long into the future.

Grandad threw everything he had into his relationships, but his love for my Granny is eternal.

For as long as I can remember, I've sought to find a love and friendship as all-encompassing as my Grandparents.

They are the very definition of soul mates: two best friends who are so in tune with each other's thoughts and feelings that it's as though their souls are intertwined. They had a unique and comedic way of matching each other's energy that always brought a smile to my face and to everybody else who knew them.

Together, they created a treasure trove of memories from their explorations around the world.

I aspire to live my life as fully as they did together.

I always felt closest to my Grandad when he embraced his childlike spirit.

He taught me that growing up doesn't have to mean losing touch with that youthful energy and sense of adventure; you can be a dependable, strong and mature adult whilst still enjoying the world around you. Doing whatever makes you happiest is key to living a life full of laughter and smiles, both of which are infectious to those around you.

He never failed to brighten our days.

Grandad put everybody else first, no matter the situation. He was infuriatingly stubborn, and we loved him for it.

I have so many favourite memories with him that I will hold onto forever.

I will remember playing with him in the garden when I really pushed him to his limits by lobbying basketballs and frisbees deep into the bushes, then praying that he would go after them for me - which he always did.

I will remember strawberry picking with him in the summertime and ending up with more of the fruit down the front of our clothes than in our baskets.

I will remember roaring with laughter in his living room at Christmas as he took it in turns to pick up each grandkid and throw them into the air, before safely depositing them onto the ground again.

I will remember snatching my ice cream cone away from him whenever I caught him giving it a sideways glance.

I will remember when I was little enough to sit on his shoulders and how it felt like I was tall enough to reach the clouds.

I will remember our days by the seaside, sipping from flasks of tea and feeling like my toes were about to freeze off.

I will remember following him around his garden, trying my best to keep up with his explanations of each plant (but really trying to find a way to steal some more green beans and carrots).

I will remember the weekends when he would travel hours from home to surprise my sister and me outside the school gates and that pure excitement I felt knowing that it was going to be a fun weekend.

I will remember the cheeky grin on his face when he knew he'd said something naughty, and the anticipation that my Granny was about to bring out his full name as a warning.

I will remember losing against him at every game on Wii Sports (I still can't quite understand how he managed it).

I will remember the look of pride on his face when he came to support me at every dance showcase.

I will remember him sheepishly offering bits of chicken to our dog under the table when he thought no one was looking. I'm sure Lily will miss that too.

I will remember how patient he was with me during my most difficult of times, and how he always made me feel special, even when I felt like the worst version of myself.

I feel so lucky for the time that I had with my Grandad.

Though my heart is breaking at the thought of coming home and not hearing that laughter again, I know he tried his very hardest to fight to stay with us just that bit longer, and for that, I'm eternally grateful.

I will miss absolutely everything about you, Grandad.

I love you forever and ever.