I know I have posted memories of my grandparents before. But while at work today, I suddenly remember what today is.
January 16th.
Why is that signaficant to me?
Today is the anniversary of the death of both of my grandfathers. I don't have a picture right now of my dad's father. Also I grew up in California and he lived in Kansas. So I did not see him very much as a child. I was in the third grade when he passed away on January 16, 1966. We made a sudden trip to Kansas to attend the funeral. My mom was not able to contact my teacher or my principle to let them know why I was going to be absent from school for a couple of weeks while we made the trip there and back. I remember that the kids did not go to the funeral. We were all watched by someone at someone's house. Obviously I don't remember that particular detail.
This picture is of my mother's parents, taken not long after they were married in 1928. Both of my grandfathers worked in gas stations for awhile. But the job I remember this grandpa doing is with the post office as a lettercarrier as he was called. He also played the drums in the lettercarrier's band. He knew how to play the piano too. He died on January 16, 1997 at the age of 92.
Here are my grandparents as I remember them the most. They used to square dance and round dance in their retirement years. My grandmother also did some painting and I have a few of hers hanging in my house.It is really strange that my grandfathers should die on the same day but 31 years apart. My grandmothers did not do the same thing. One died in the month of April and the other in December. I am blessed to have memories of both sets of grandparents, even though I did not see my father's parents very often.
8 comments:
What a sad day for you...it is strange that they would both pass on the same day. But you're right...we're lucky when we get the chance to have special people in our lives. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
I only knew my mother's parents, they are gone now too. My fathers's parents passed away a long time ago. I wish I had been able to know them, passed on before my father ever met my mother. I lost my mother in March2003 and my father in Dec 2004. I miss them all so very much. My gran kept me as a little girl, but I sure don't miss the crepe myrtle switchings I got when I misbehaved. Yes, I know it is hard to believe that sweet little me ever did such a thing! My father was 88 when he passed away Dec 3,2004. His brother just passed away at 88 this December 13, 2008. Both 88, both December, coincidence??
I'm glad you put both pictures on your site Nommy! I always loved the first picture when I would look at it when I visited Grandma. And then the second picture is how I remember them as well. I'm so lucky that I got the chance to know my Great-Grandparents as well as I did. Thank you for the reminder!
What lovely pictures and memories...and don't pay any attention to that Sassydog - she's a nut ball, hee-hee! (Hi ya Becky - you know that I love you!)
Thanks for sharing your memories of your grandparents and the lovely pictures. They look so happy in the second picture.
Lindsay
I know that anniversaries stay with me and while I am always very sad remember those I have lost, I like treasuring the memories that I do have.
The odds of both your grandfather's passing away on the same month and day have to be great!!
take care,
Dawn
How sweet of you, Linnea, to remember them in this loving post. It is odd that they would die on the same die. I loved seeing the pictures.
XO,
Sheila :-)
a sad day, yes, but they left you with wonderful memories. You are so sweet to share those memories with us- thank you and I hope you have many more wonderful memories of your loving grandparents!
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