Family is one of the things I cherish most, be it extended and nuclear, even though some extended can be disappointing at times with various troubles, misunderstandings, and misconceptions, but yet having people to call family is a beautiful thing. I love the relationship between my father and his siblings; although they fight, they are always on the lookout for one another. There are times I get angry on his behalf; you could imagine such a thing telling him his sister shouldn't have done such a thing, forgetting that no matter how they fight, they always find a way to get back together.
Thanks to my grandparents, who played a very important role in making the family bond ever stronger. My family goes home every Christmas to celebrate the festive period with my grandfather and grandmother. Others, such as my aunts, uncles, and cousins, also come with their families to celebrate with them. Fortunately for my grandparents, they are three in one: a parent, a grandparent, and a great-grandparent. Due to this, the family house is always filled to the brim every Christmas period. This is one of the holidays I enjoyed most. I get to see everyone, which if not for the holiday, I wouldn't have seen them all through the year. People travel as far as from Uyo to come celebrate at home with the extended family.
My grandparents were old, so we had to employ a carer for them who will be in charge of cooking, laundry, and general cleaning of the house, likewise taking care of them. Getting to see them in their old age is beautiful, I must say. Their humorous characters and telling of different stories, likewise, their strong belief in superstitions, look so cool to us because our generation is a lot different from theirs. In this century, we don't tend to believe such unrealistic things, though they said they are realistic, not just as effective as it was during their time.
Immediately it's September, and every related family is already getting prepared to travel to our hometown. Everyone is contributing their quota in terms of buying foodstuffs and other ingredients that would be used in cooking during the festive period. My family was also preparing as expected, planning to contact a cleaning company that would assist in the cleaning of the house and compound when a bombshell was dropped on the entire family. On September 15th, we were taking our breakfast as a family on the dining table when my father's mobile phone rang, only to see that my grandparent's carer was the one calling. We weren't surprised because she does call to request something if she is in need before visiting them every last Saturday of the month. My dad picked up, and after some minutes, my dad screamed, Ahhhh!
We were all shocked and had to pause eating to know what happened and the reason behind his scream. After a while, he dropped the call and looked so sad. Then I knew something bad might have happened, but what it was was still unknown.
"My dad has gone to the great beyond." My dad dropped the bombshell, and immediately tears started rolling down my cheeks. Although Grandpa was old, we never wanted him to leave. We were looking forward to celebrating another Christmas with him this year.
"But he wasn't ill, or was he, and we were not told?, my younger sister asked amidst tears.
"He wasn't; I still saw him last week, although he wasn't as agile as usual, but I never knew he was telling us he was preparing to leave the earth," my dad replied.
"It is a celebration of a life well spent; we are glad we saw him last year; it would have been more of a bitter experience if we didn't see him before his demise," my mom replied with a shaky voice, trying to control her tears.
Although it was shocking and unexpected, we were happy he lived a fulfilled life. He was a happy man till his last day on earth, and his memories will forever be in our hearts.
Thanks for your time, and your comments will be appreciated.
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What a story, grandpa should have stayed longer but then we can't question whatever happens in this life.
Sorry about your grandpa, I'm glad he lived a life well fulfilled.
Thank you ma'am
This is a typical example of many families. Grandparents are like major cords that connects the family and when they are gone, the impacts of their loss are so painful and sometimes their absence leaves an unfillable vacuum. Sorry for your grandpa's loss but the good memories will linger forever.
Nice writeup 👍👍👍
Thank you boss, we greatly miss him
You're welcome ma🙏