I know many of you know, because you follow me on facebook and twitter, that my grandfather passed away last week. I have received so many incredible messages and emails and cards from so many of you and each and every one of them has touched my heart. It's difficult to lose a loved one at any time, but particularly hard at Christmas. We are incredibly sad for us, because we miss him so, but at the same time, knowing that after living a beautiful blessed full life of 96 years, he has been reunited in heaven with my grandmother, all of our family who departed before him, and the Good Lord, to whom he was incredibly devoted...it is a thing to be celebrated.
It's hard to pick up and get moving again, but it's what he would have wanted for us. We are mustering up some Christmas spirit and choosing to focus on the positive. After all, we know there is a huge Italian feast going on in heaven right now! And so, tonight will be our first Friday Night Pizza Night without Poppop. We agreed as a family that we are going to continue the tradition and told the kids that we would honor him tonight with a root beer toast.
Cheers to you, Poppop. ♥♥♥
{excerpt from his eulogy}
He was blessed with good health right up until the end and would often say while shrugging his shoulders, “I don’t know why the Good Lord is keeping me here, but hey, when He decides it’s my time, then I’ll be ready to go.” And so, on Tuesday morning, just before dawn, with his family by his side, the Good Lord decided it was his time. And we have no doubt that when he came face to face with God, he heard the Lord say to him “well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Albert George Mercuri
April 24, 2014 - November 30, 2010
just popped in to say hello...thank you for sharing your stories and life with all of us. I am so happy that I met your grand dad in my own backyard. Amazing Life. You all were blessed with him and he with all of you. Thinking of your family during this difficult time. xo jenny
Posted by: jenny elkins | December 11, 2010 at 02:38 AM
Much love and many prayers to you and your family!
Posted by: Missy | December 13, 2010 at 06:45 PM
He looks like a dear heart. I'm very sorry for your loss :(
Posted by: Traci | December 13, 2010 at 09:23 PM
Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. You are right about the time of year being very hard to lose a loved one. We just lost my mother-in-law a few days ago too. I lift up my frosty mug of root beer to your PopPop and isn't he lucky to hear those words as he entered his new life... "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!
Posted by: deborah mori | December 23, 2010 at 06:33 PM