Unbelievably, it's a year to the day since Granda died. It has left a massive gap for everyone who knew him - a gap which could never be filled, by anyone, and a gap which we would never want filled, by anyone. It's hard to write this blog, certainly the hardest blog to date, without stopping, with a tear in my eye, and thinking of all the fantastic times we had, times which will never come back and so remain, fantastic memories.
Never again will we have the most amazing fried bread known to man (probably due to health and safety legislations) splattered with a dollop of tomato sauce. Never again will we have to pretend Mam didn't know he smoked - it was quite possibly the worst kept secret, especially on the few occasions he nearly spontaneously combusted hiding his fags in his pocket. Never again will we be faced with THEM CHIPS!! Now I absolutely loved Granda but he just couldn't make chips, although he did try! Never again will we hear the term 'you bauld bugger' and not think of Granda. Never again will I find anyone who would teach me so many card games (and how to cheat in all of them!). Never again will I hear "La Vie En Rose" and not be especially saddened at 'that trumpet bit'. Never again will we all pile into Granda's living room at Christmas after church and have people practically hanging out of the windows like an overcrowded Indian bus! Never again will we see such a smartly dressed guy, no matter how hard they try.
Since this time last year, however, our family has never been stronger, and we have enjoyed some great times together, particularly as we raise funds in his memory. Everybody has had a hand in contributing to a great year of fundraising. We have already had memorable times such as the comedy night, the ukulele night and the Asda bag pack, and there are still plenty more to come with the Coast to Coast walk, a second comedy night and the football match.
Let us try not to be too sad today, let us instead remember the 82 years of greatness.
Mine's a whiskey and lemonade (it's what he would have wanted!)
Never again will we have the most amazing fried bread known to man (probably due to health and safety legislations) splattered with a dollop of tomato sauce. Never again will we have to pretend Mam didn't know he smoked - it was quite possibly the worst kept secret, especially on the few occasions he nearly spontaneously combusted hiding his fags in his pocket. Never again will we be faced with THEM CHIPS!! Now I absolutely loved Granda but he just couldn't make chips, although he did try! Never again will we hear the term 'you bauld bugger' and not think of Granda. Never again will I find anyone who would teach me so many card games (and how to cheat in all of them!). Never again will I hear "La Vie En Rose" and not be especially saddened at 'that trumpet bit'. Never again will we all pile into Granda's living room at Christmas after church and have people practically hanging out of the windows like an overcrowded Indian bus! Never again will we see such a smartly dressed guy, no matter how hard they try.
Since this time last year, however, our family has never been stronger, and we have enjoyed some great times together, particularly as we raise funds in his memory. Everybody has had a hand in contributing to a great year of fundraising. We have already had memorable times such as the comedy night, the ukulele night and the Asda bag pack, and there are still plenty more to come with the Coast to Coast walk, a second comedy night and the football match.
Let us try not to be too sad today, let us instead remember the 82 years of greatness.
Mine's a whiskey and lemonade (it's what he would have wanted!)