I’ve shared this already but I will again for those who can’t see. I’ve gone back and forth on what to even say because how do you sum up someone like my Poppy in a few sentences? The truth is, you can’t. I could talk about him forever, and it still wouldn’t be enough. He was truly the best person I’ve ever known. And I wish everyone got a chance to know him. A very special man he was.
My Poppy was the kind of person who made everyone feel loved. He was selfless in every way, he would give anything, do anything, go out of his way without ever being asked. He had the best sense of humor, always knew how to make people laugh, and told the kind of stories you never got tired of hearing. He had this warmth about him that just made you feel safe like everything was okay when he was around.
One of my favorite memories is from when I was in elementary school. I hated waiting to be picked up after school. I was always ready to go the second the bell rang. So he’d show up an hour early, just to be first in line everyday just so I wouldn’t have to wait. That’s the kind of love he gave. The kind you don’t forget. And whenever I had donuts with dad and my dad couldn’t make it he would always be there for me so I wasn’t alone.
He always told me I was the smartest cookie, and I still hear his voice saying it in my head. I would give anything to hear it in real life again. If I had the chance, I’d tell him how much I love him and how thankful I am for every little memory. I’d tell him that he made me feel so special, and I hope he knew just how deeply he was loved in return. Me and my cousins would always talk about our poppy. He was definitely a highlight and still is a highlight of all of our conversations. I have had friends that have texted me about how awesome he was when they met him. As I was going through all his pictures I realized how many friends and family he did have. Which shows the kind of person he was. Something that made me laugh during this hard time is my boyfriend saying “he would kill to have poppy’s mustache”. He did have a killer mustache.
Losing him so suddenly has left this hole in my heart I don’t know how to explain. But I also feel so lucky because I got to have him as my grandpa. And I’ll carry his love with me for the rest of my life. I love you forever, Poppy. Thank you for everything.
