because how else would i do it?
I’m sharing a little something at my Poppa’s funeral tomorrow.
Just a little something.
I didn’t want to do anything too dramatic or maudlin or emotional or untrue to the man he was.
I wanted little glimpses of him… the bits of remembrance that would make his family and friends smile and nod in recognition.
So what did I do?
I made lists.
I’ll talk a bit around them, and expand on some of the items, but mostly?
Stuff about my Poppa speaks for itself.
Things I Learned From My Poppa
How to have the loudest laugh in the room
How to cheat at card games
How to take pride in one’s lawn
How often cars should be washed
How to clean up well for church
How to judge whether or not a guy is worth dating
How to be faithful to the things you believe in
How to love people unconditionally
How to give of what you have freely
How to take care of one’s family
How to live a life to be proud of
Things I Remember About My Poppa
The way he smelled when he came home from a day at the mill
The smile he’d give me when I’d come flying down the stairs first thing on a summer morning
The after-dinner devotions he led for the family
The way he’d toss me around the pool at the Smith’s while I squealed
The mints he carried in his pockets on Sundays
The way he’d smirk about his golf score
The chats we’d have in the car after I’d clean the house for him and Nonna
The way he’d ask why I wasn’t married yet — but still had faith it would happen eventually
The hugs he gave me every single time he saw me
Things I Loved About My Poppa
That he was an amazing hockey player long before I even screamed at a game
That he called me “Schmeg” even when I scowled at it as a teenager
The way he’d light up when there was a baby in the room
The way he’d roll back from the table when he had too much to eat, patting his belly and beaming
The way he’d stand up straight and proud when he was in a good suit
The fact that he worked hard at one thing his whole life — but still had a million other gifts beyond that
The way he was devoted to caring for his wife without a single question, as long as they were together
The way he loved his family
The way he loved God
The way he loved me
And, of course, the way I love him still.
Miss you, Poppa.
June 2nd, 2007 at 1:20 am
A beautiful tribute. Prayers for you today.
June 2nd, 2007 at 8:15 am
love to you, and to your poppa.
June 2nd, 2007 at 8:20 am
Ooh, Meg, I lost access to your site from my work, so I haven’t been over for a while. I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Hugs and prayers for you.
June 2nd, 2007 at 9:06 am
Aww, this made me teary-eyed. I especially love the picture of you and your brother on your Poppa’s lap.
June 2nd, 2007 at 9:11 am
Words cannot express my adoration of that first photo.
June 2nd, 2007 at 11:26 am
Thoughts of you & your family today. A beautiful day for a tribute to a beautiful man.
June 2nd, 2007 at 11:56 am
Oh Meg, it made me cry and I don’t even know your Poppa. What a tribute to him. We’re praying for you today.
June 2nd, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Your Poppa sounds like a man of great character, as were many of his generation. His legacy is evident in you, Meg. May there be many smiles and hugs between the tears today.
June 3rd, 2007 at 7:38 pm
meg, you write so beautifully.
your poppa will always be with you. in your heart and in every thing you do. he sounds like he was a most amazing person. just like you are.
June 4th, 2007 at 8:42 am
It looks like I’m not the first one who cried at this post. It was beautiful Meg, and he would have been very proud (like always).
June 4th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
That was lovely.
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I didn’t know you last year at this time - thank you for re-sharing the link. He was obviously a pretty amazing guy.
May he rest in peace.
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:06 pm
i miss my poppa too, though I lost him a long time ago. i can’t believe your amazing eloquence even in the face of loss. when i gave the eulogy at my brother’s funeral, i was so angry, sad and shaken that i actually mistakenly uttered the f-word from the altar. i wish i’d been able to communicate my love as clearly as you have, but the words were, at that time, somehow trapped in a black hole inside my brain. your poppa must be very proud.
August 28th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Beautiful Meg! Your post made me smile and wish I had met your Poppa. It also made me realize how very blessed you have been to have had him in your life. My parents were older when I was born, so I’ve never known a grandfather. Thank you for painting a beautiful picture.
Reminds me of my own mother’s funeral. When I spoke, I didn’t want to paint an unrealistic picture of the woman she was. I wanted to honor the positives.
May you and your family experience God’s peace during this time of loss and celebration of a life lived with love.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:05 am
That’s beautiful. He sounds like a wonderful man.