LaVerne Sheldon McPherson, 1920-2005

[angledge]

My grandfather passed away about three hours ago. He had been ill with cancer & heart problems.

He & my grandmother were married for 65 years. Right now, I'm grieving mostly for Grandma - how must life look without the company of such a longtime companion? I'm also grieving for my mom, & the rest of the family. But as for me, I don't feel the loss that strongly. I've only seen my grandfather twice in the last ten years. We were from completely different worlds, & sometimes I don't think he approved of mine. When I saw him after my freshman year in Cornell engineering, his only comment on my classes was, "What's a girl doing studying that stuff?" Then again, when my cousin Ashley outed me to our grandparents a few years back, he & Grandma called me that very day to tell me that they loved me. I suppose that love is what matters in the end.

I will remember the good things. I will remember helping him feed the hogs when I visited their farm as a kid. I will remember his childish delight in eating ice cream (my God, he ate a lot of ice cream). I will remember standing on the back porch of my parents' house in Medford during a summer thunderstorm, listening to Grandpa tell me how thunder & lightning reminded him of being on the beaches of Okinawa in 1945. I will remember how his voice would nearly break when he would say grace at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Eighty-five years on the planet, & now he's off on the greatest adventure yet. No more chemotherapy, no more pain, no more doctors telling him to restrict his ice cream consumption. If what I recite at church on Sundays is really what I believe, then in the words of the Nicene Creed: "I believe in the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting, Amen."

Edit: My deep thanks to everyone who has posted comments. Your words & thoughts provide great comfort.

Comments

[marasca.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[d4b.livejournal.com]

Sincere condolences.

[ckirkman.livejournal.com]

My thoughts are with you. You're very lucky to have such fond memories of your grandfather. I never met either of mine.

[effrontery.livejournal.com]

(((((((Ang)))))))). Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

[kwokj.livejournal.com]

He sounded pretty neat. take care of each other, those of you who knew him and miss him.

[gutbloom.livejournal.com]

>>Then again, when my cousin Ashley outed me to our grandparents a few years back, he & Grandma called me that very day to tell me that they loved me.<<

Sounds like a good guy.

This is a wonderful entry. A beautiful, if brief, remembrance.

[redfishie.livejournal.com]

words never seem enough in times like these.

*hugs*

[carocrow.livejournal.com]

Blessings to you and your family. I remember the day I heard my Grandfather crossed over like it was yesterday.

May you find peace in your time of grief and loss.

[funkyplaid.livejournal.com]

Ang, this is a lovely eulogy for him – your words do great honor to his life and to his death. I'm glad that your memories of times past are sprinkled with bits of his influence.

[trishalynn.livejournal.com]

That's a great tribute to your grandpa. My best to you and your family.

[ataralas.livejournal.com]

I will remember how his voice would nearly break when he would say grace at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

This was my grandfather as well. Thank you for the memory.

And may Christ's assurance be with you and your family.

[gingiber.livejournal.com]

I am sorry to hear of your loss. your memories are beautiful, I hope they help you in the days ahead.

[seolta.livejournal.com]

Oh darlin' i am so sorry. I hope your family and especially your grandma swiftly find the balance again without him. Clearly he was much loved and that will never change.

Love and light!!

Hugs
S
x

[spymunster.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

Cherish the good memories, and keep them close to your heart. :-)

[sasscat.livejournal.com]

That's beautiful. *huggles* Sending good vibes the way of you and yours.

[gravitygirl07.livejournal.com]

I know this is late, but I haven't read my friend's page in a couple of days.

he & Grandma called me that very day to tell me that they loved me.

I don't think you could ask for better. *very warm and very big hugs*

[-phobia.livejournal.com]

Ang, I'm really sorry for your loss, and the belated comment. I barely read LJ once per "fortnight" anymore. My condolences to you and your family.

b

[songquake.livejournal.com]

)))))hugs(((((

here's to the memories. the beauty, the pain, the honor without romanticizing. may the blessings of your family (biological and chosen) remain with you...