When someone you love dies, there's not much to say. It hurts, you miss them more than you can ever express and you wish there was more time. My grandpa died suddenly last week, about 48 hours after going into the hospital. I have tried to write a few times, but am not able to express how much he meant to me. He had always been a very important part of my life and who I am and I am still not sure all of it has sunk in yet. I think my brothers said it best in their part of the eulogy on behalf of my siblings and cousins: "I guess I just miss my friend." He was everything a child wishes a grandpa to be. This poem was also a good reminder for me to focus on all he gave to us and keep his memory alive by living our lives and honoring him with what he taught us.
You can shed tears that he has gone,
Or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
Or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he's gone,
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
Be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he'd want;
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
