Who you callin a Turkey? R.I.P. Grandpa

My Grandpa passed away in the beginning of February. I have to say that I did not appreciate my Grandfather as an actual 'Person' until a few years ago. Until then he was known to me as the second member of that famous duo 'Grandma & Grandpa'. AKA Grandparents.

After my Grandmother passed away, my Grandfather was alone, so of course we all tried a bit harder to keep him busy, hang out with him more. It was during that time that I finally recognized my Grandpa for what he was.

A man.
A person.
Somebody with life stories.

I always enjoyed being around my Grandparents, and was lucky enough to have them live 10 minutes away. When my Grandma died it was unexpected, heartbreaking, and just downright devastating. But there was a calmness in my mind, because although she was gone,  the other founding member of the duo was still remaining.
 I still had my Grandpa.
 He still lived in the same house, with the same memories, the same decorations on the wall, and still carried on the same holiday traditions. My waters rippled for a bit, but eventually calmed.

With my Grandpa passing, I realize I am taking it a bit differently. I can't say that I am taking it harder, because I don't know if you can put an emotional gauge on it. But differently is the best way to put it.
Maybe it is because I am getting older. I am looking at things differently in my own life. Death gets to be more and more within reach, and it feels scary. It makes me look at my parents and truly think to myself

"If they ever leave me, I don't know what I would do" 

Yup, I have to say, getting older and dealing with what comes with age is something I have been mulling over A LOT lately! 

But back to Grandpa........

Who you callin a Turkey? 

You Grandpa! You are a Turkey!

When I was little I would tell my Grandpa he was a 'Turkey' He would act grumpy, I would laugh, then he would laugh, and then we would both laugh. 

So in memory of my Grandpa, here are a few pictures.

Cheers Grandpa!

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego
Beautiful view, overlooking the Harbor, Coronado Island, and the city over to the left. 

The Beautiful Urn that he had picked out for my Grandmother. It now holds both their ashes together. 

A spot for Grandpa with his glass of red wine. After the ceremony, we all went to eat at his favorite Mexican restaurant. Cheers! 

After lunch, we decided to visit the mobile home one last time. Too many memories to count. 

Back at my parents home. These are the same Fisher Price toys that my cousins and I played with when we were young. Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren have been enjoying these toys for a long time. Now they will be at my parents house, brought out when the little ones come around.

Now just memories to share  Grandma and Grandpa

One of my favorite pictures of them. 

My Aunt & Uncle bought him an iphone a couple of years ago. He taught himself all the ins and outs of it. One important function being the screensaver. This was at a family BBQ at my brothers house. I asked him what he was looking at on his phone, and he turned it to me and said
"Your Grandma"
His screensaver was a picture of my Gram.

My Grandpa had this funny grumpy side to him. He never wanted anyone making a fuss over him. This picture is a few years old. It is a picture of us as I am asking him which mug he wanted for his coffee. Also if he wanted cream; which I knew he didn't, but it was funny because he hated all the 'Foo Foo' creamers, so I started to ask just to hear him start rambling.  I'm shooshing my hands at him saying "I know, I know! I was just kidding" 
Later on I had posted this picture on Facebook, then showed it to him and said "Hey Grandpa, this is a picture of me showing you how to Raise the Roof, Holla!" He just stared at me, and shook his head. 

This is what I envisioned happening the second he strutted through those pearly gates. Hopefully they are still slow dancin the night away up there in the stars...........