Tear filled departing

Part of the reason I post in this blog is to document significant moments that happen in our family.

So with a bit of a heavy heart, I want to mention that recently our family lost a great, great man.

TPC was a fabulous grandfather and great-grandfather to my husband, myself, and our children.

I have many fond memories of sending and receiving letters in the mail, while making sure to save the stamps for his massive, exhaustive collection. I remember family gatherings and enjoying delicious meals prepared by Genie or yummy pizza after zoo excursions, all the while enjoying his company and dinner talk.  I remember beach trips where he would sit on the deck and take in the summer sun. I remember his drink of choice was a Manhattan, and how he would bring a little suitcase filled with the ingredients to make his pre-dinner cocktail wherever he traveled. I remember that there IS a difference between "dirt" and "SOIL". I remember euchre games, and am grateful that I had the privilege to sit in on a few games with him. I remember the train that went by his back yard and how he always eagerly notified the children whenever one was passing so they could all race outside in time to wave at it as it went by, just because he knew it would delight them.

I remember the difficulty (health-wise) the last few years were for him. The trouble he had getting enough oxygen to keep up with his normal pace. The tank that finally needed to go everywhere with him. The long lengths of tubes from the oxygen machine that the children had to be instructed not to step on. I am glad that he no longer requires those things, as I'm sure they were cumbersome and a bother.  I am glad that he is now at peace.

Those are just a few of the moments I was lucky enough to share with him. Our family will miss him very much, however we are so thankful to be part of his legacy.

Forever missed:
TPC 5/7/1925- 8/2/2012