Matt's grandfather, John Donovan, passed away on Wednesday, the 18th.Over the years that I have been in the Grieshop family, I never really came to know Grandpa very well. He was a man of few words around me. He was a firefighter in NYC for many years and was a hard worker. In the years before his health deteriorated, he enjoyed taking very long walks and sometimes these walks would fill most of his day. I was always very impressed that he had such a contemplative past time and wondered what he thought about on his walks.
I know he enjoyed getting to meet his great-grandsons, especially Sam, as he outgrew the baby stages and am glad that Sam was able to meet him, even if just a few times.
Grandpa had a thick NY accent and I don't think I'll ever forget the way he always said, "Nice dinner, Patricia", after a meal, and she'd respond, Thank you, Daddy", despite her age.
On one visit I remember him telling me that he thought I was doing a great job with Sam and to "keep it up". Those words meant a great deal to me at the time, and still do, as it was the nicest and most sincere thing he ever said to me.
This weekend Matt's family is gathering to have a small memorial ceremony honoring Grandpa. Of course, we will not be there and it is very hard for Matt to be missing this event. It is really tearing him up inside. I hate to see him upset about it and it is hard for me to not feel like it is my fault. I know it's just timing.
Grandpa will be missed. He held a history of Matt's family, of my family now, that is gone in a way. I am sure he had some incredible stories of his years in this world and I am sorry I didn't get to hear more of them.
